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Slot maker acquires patents

Tuesday, April 8, 2003 | 9:49 a.m.

International Game Technology has purchased 13 patents previously owned by Eagle Co. Ltd. of Japan. The patents cover a variety of slot machine technologies, including one that governs the use of one or more bonus reels on a machine, IGT said.

The company is already paying Eagle Co. to license the patent on some of its machines, including "The Price is Right," "Harley-Davidson" and a new progressive game version of its "Quartermania" series.

Terms of the deal weren't disclosed.

"After carefully reviewing the patents, our game design team was extremely impressed with the inventions," IGT's Executive Vice President of Product Development Rich Pennington said. "Games based on these concepts have a proven player appeal that sets them apart from the rest of the field."

Many of the company's upcoming "premium" games will use the patents, the company said.

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