Court Delays Aristocrat/Ainsworth Lawsuit

An Australian court has delayed the first hearing in slot-maker Aristocrat’s infringement suit against Ainsworth Game Technology until September 4, with briefs due by August 28. Aristocrat contends that Ainsworth’s Jackpot Strike is too close to its Lightning Link progressive.

Court Delays Aristocrat/Ainsworth Lawsuit

The Federal Court of Australia, which was scheduled to hear arguments July 17 in the lawsuit filed by slot manufacturer Aristocrat Technologies against rival supplier Ainsworth Game Technology, has postponed the first hearing in the case until September 4.

The court has instructed both parties in the case to file briefs defending their statement and any cross claims by August 28.

The lawsuit alleges theft of intellectual property involving Ainsworth’s Jackpot Strike progressive link, which Aristocrat claims is a direct copy of the features of one of its most popular products, the Lightning Link progressive.

Aristocrat’s lawsuit claims Ainsworth stole the design for Lighting Link to produce the Jackpot Strike product. Ainsworth denies the accusation, vowing to “vigorously defend” against the claims.