Brief: Gaming patent suit

Monday, Dec. 14, 1998 | 11:41 a.m.

Home Gambling Network says it obtained a patent in September for a system that allows internet users to participate in a live casino game via computer. The player enters financial account information, creating an information line with a financial institution. The casino then assigns the player to a live table game and bets are paid or debited instantaneously, the suit states.

However, the suit accuses the Georgia companies of infringing on the patent by offering a similar system for sale. It further alleges the companies are interfering with Home Gambling Network's prospective economic advantage by offering to sell their system to potential licensees and telling those potential licensees that the patent "is meaningless."

The suit seeks unspecified damages and an order enjoining the companies from infringing on the patent.

Attempts to contact Interactive Television Services and Internet Gaming -- which both have the same Roswell, Ga., address -- for comment Friday failed.

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