Macau Court rules against LT Game in 13-year patent dispute

Light & Wonder cleared as Paradise Entertainment plans appeal.

Macau.- The Judicial Court of First Instance has dismissed patent claims by LT Game, a subsidiary of Paradise Entertainment, against Light & Wonder subsidiaries, including Shuffle Master. The court declared two electronic table game (ETG) patents, covering a baccarat jackpot system and gaming terminals, null and void, citing a lack of inventive step and obviousness to industry professionals.

The dispute began in 2009 and escalated in 2012 when Macau customs officials covered Shuffle Master’s machines at the G2E Asia trade show, citing patent violations. LT Game claimed its patents I/150 and I/380 gave it a monopoly over Macau’s live dealer multi-game terminals. The company sought injunctions against Shuffle Master’s Rapid Baccarat and Rapid Table Game, equipment removal, contract terminations, damages of US$15,000 per machine and public disclosures.

However, the court rejected all claims, cancelled the patents’ registration, and ordered LT Game to cover legal costs. This decision clears Light & Wonder of infringement allegations.

Paradise Entertainment, LT Game’s parent company, announced on Tuesday that it will appeal the ruling. The company, which has expanded its live dealer machine presence in Macau from 300 to over 1,400 units in two years, expressed confidence in its patents’ validity.

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Light & Wonder cleared as Paradise Entertainment plans appeal. Macau.- The Judicial Court of First Instance has dismissed patent claims by LT Game, a subsidiary of Paradise Entertainment, against Light…