Suit filed against Alliance

Thursday, Dec. 9, 2004 | 10:13 a.m.

International Game Technology filed a patent infringement suit in federal court Tuesday against competitor Alliance Gaming Corp. over features on slot machines.

The two companies issued separate and competing statements Wednesday that disputed the focus of the suit.

In its statement, Alliance said IGT claims a "Monte Carlo" slot machine made by Alliance's Bally Gaming and Systems unit infringes on a patent recently issued to IGT.

Alliance said the game was introduced in the 1970s and was updated three years ago.

"The company believes there is no merit to IGT's 'new' claim that a game invented and introduced nearly 30 years ago infringes a recently-issued patent," Alliance said.

IGT fired back, saying its suit alleges Alliance is infringing on the new patent as well as five other IGT patents covering "gaming machines and systems that feature additional payout indicators such as bonus wheels and bonus reels, and touch screen display devices allowing for player interactivity."

Several recently introduced Alliance slot machines infringe on the IGT patents, IGT said.

IGT General Counsel Dave Johnson said the company has no immediate plans to seek a preliminary injunction "or other short-term relief" that would affect casino customers.