Aristocrat Technologies is arguing Light & Wonder’s (L&W) game ‘Dragon Train’ has several similarities to its own ‘Dragon Link’ series. Filed in February, the case accuses L&W of misappropriating its intellectual property, copying game mechanics and gameplay and copyright infringement.
Aristocrat also raised concerns over the role several former executives, now in senior roles at Light & Wonder, played in the development of the game. It claims L&W has “misappropriated trade secrets” relating to the Dragon Link series. M&W launched Dragon Train in the US in March while Dragon Link dates back to around 2017.
Initial court victory for Aristocrat
Yesterday (23 September), the case came to court in Nevada, with Aristocrat claiming an initial victory. The court approved Aristocrat’s motion for a preliminary injunction on its trade secret claims. This effectively stops L&W from commercialising its Dragon Train game in its current state.
The court said Aristocrat is “extremely likely to succeed” in demonstrating Light & Wonder misappropriated trade secrets developing Dragon Train.
Setting out its ruling, the court said by misappropriating trade secrets relating to Aristocrat’s Dragon Link and Lightning Link games, L&W was able to develop Dragon Train “without investing the equivalent time and money.”
In granting the preliminary injunction, the court noted a public interest in “protecting trade secrets and preventing competitors from receiving an unfair advantage.”
Aristocrat seeks further action against L&W
Aristocrat chief product officer Matthew Primmer welcomed the ruling. He said Aristocrat is “extremely” pleased with the court’s decision.
“This ruling underscores the value of our intellectual property,” Primmer said. “It reaffirms our commitment to protecting the integrity of our business. We will continue to innovate and invest in cutting-edge solutions, knowing that the law protects our creative efforts.”
However, Aristocrat will not stop here, with the developer set to continue its case and seek all “appropriate remedies to address the harm” caused by L&W’s actions.
L&W to appeal court ruling
Responding to the ruling, L&W said it respectfully disagrees with the decision and will “promptly” file an appeal.
In a statement, L&W said it will continue to “vigorously” defend against Aristocrat claims, including presenting its defences to a jury at a trial.
The group added that Dragon Train is only one franchises within its portfolio and is the result of increased investment in R&D. However, it also noted that it is working on new iterations of Dragon Train consistent with terms of the ruling.
Dragon Train accounts for 5% of FY25 EBITDA
Dragon Train is estimated to only account for less than 5% of L&W’s full-year 2025 adjusted EBITDA forecast of $1.4bn (£1.05bn/€1.26bn).
“The company is moving forward on a number of key initiatives to mitigate the immediate impact and any continuing business disruption from the order,” L&W said.
CEO and president Matt Wilson also commented on the case. He spoke out in support of the groups’ R&D team, hailing its staff as the “best game design talent in the industry”.
“We expect our strong growth trajectory to continue, notwithstanding this decision,” Wilson said.
Original article: https://igamingbusiness.com/legal-compliance/aristocrat-court-victory-light-wonder-dragon-train/
