After signing a patent cross-licensing agreement with American counterpart AGS last week, International Game Technology (IGT) has now inked a similar deal with Sydney-based slot innovator Ainsworth Game Technology Limited.
London-based IGT stated that it has the “largest slot game feature patent portfolio in North America” and it agreed an analogous arrangement with rival Scientific Games Corporation earlier this month before signing an understanding with Caesars Entertainment Corporation that permits it to continue utilizing the giant casino operator’s brands in the lottery spaces of the United States, Canada and Europe.
“We have reached industry-wide momentum with the cross-licensing of IGT patented game features,” read a statement from Michael Prescott, North America Gaming and Interactive Senior Vice-President and General Counsel for IGT. “We’re very pleased to add Ainsworth Game Technology [Limited] to the impressive list of suppliers who have worked with us to establish an intellectual property pool that can help drive the gaming industry’s collective innovation.”
IGT explained that the deal with Ainsworth Game Technology Limited will see the Australian firm permitted to offer its patented features in exchange for the payment of a licensing fee.
“As we position Ainsworth [Game Technology Limited] for future growth, we are pleased to have reached this cross-licensing agreement with IGT,” read a statement from Danny Gladstone, Chief Executive Officer for Ainsworth Game Technology Limited. “It will provide us with access to an industry-wide game feature patent portfolio that we can leverage to enhance our market offerings with games that excite and engage players.”