The Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL) share price is in focus today after the company announced a $190 million settlement from Light & Wonder (ASX: LNW), ending legal action over the alleged use of Aristocrat's intellectual property in competing games.
What did Aristocrat Leisure report?
- Received USD $127.5 million (approx. AUD $190 million) compensation from Light & Wonder for IP infringement
- Light & Wonder to permanently cease sales of the Dragon Train and Jewel of the Dragon games worldwide
- Light & Wonder must destroy all documents containing Aristocrat's proprietary maths information
- Litigation in Australia and the US dismissed as part of the settlement
- Confidential procedures agreed for dealing with Aristocrat maths in some hold and spin games
What else do investors need to know?
The confidential settlement ends a significant legal battle between Aristocrat and a key competitor, bringing certainty and a material cash inflow. Light & Wonder has acknowledged the use of some Aristocrat math techniques and committed to permanently remove the affected games globally.
Both companies have affirmed the importance of respecting intellectual property and fair competition. The agreement also sets up confidential procedures in case similar intellectual property issues arise in Light & Wonder's other products.
What did Aristocrat Leisure management say?
Aristocrat CEO and Managing Director, Trevor Croker, said:
Aristocrat welcomes fair competition but will always robustly defend and enforce its intellectual property rights. As an ideas and innovation company our intellectual property is vital to our ongoing success. We are committed to protecting the great work of our dedicated creative and technical teams. We welcome this positive outcome, which includes significant financial compensation and follows the decisive action we took to ensure the preservation of Aristocrat's valuable intellectual property assets. This decisive action included securing a preliminary injunction in September 2024, at which time the court recognised that Light & Wonder was able to develop Dragon Train by using Aristocrat's valuable trade secrets and without investing the equivalent time and money.
What's next for Aristocrat Leisure?
With litigation resolved, Aristocrat can redirect focus to its global gaming, online, and content creation businesses, underpinned by its commitment to innovation and protecting creative assets. The settlement strengthens Aristocrat's position as a leader in gaming technology and should enhance confidence among shareholders and partners.
The one-off compensation is expected to support further investment in product innovation and growth. Management has reaffirmed its dedication to upholding fair competition while safeguarding the work of its teams worldwide.
Aristocrat Leisure share price snapshot
Over the past 12 months, Aristocrat Leisure shares have declined 19%, trailing the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) which has risen 6% over the same period.
