The Ainsworth Game Technology Ltd (ASX: AGI) share price is in focus after the company announced a new patent licence deal with Aristocrat Leisure Ltd (ASX: ALL), settling potential claims and securing future access to key game features.
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What did Ainsworth Game Technology report?
- Entered into a licence agreement with Aristocrat for certain Australian patents, particularly covering the Hold & Spin™ family of game features.
- Agreement includes a non-exclusive, non-transferable licence for responsible gaming patents, including AI-based risk detection and digital wallets.
- Ainsworth will pay Aristocrat a total of A$8.5 million in instalments over 3.5 years.
- Both parties have released each other from all past claims relating to the licensed patents.
- Ainsworth granted Aristocrat a reciprocal licence over its own patents for products in Australia.
What else do investors need to know?
The agreement gives Ainsworth certainty to use Aristocrat's key gameplay features in its machines and online games in Australia. This move removes the risk of future intellectual property disputes, supporting Ainsworth's roadmap for new product launches and expansions.
Ainsworth customers, distributors and venues benefit from "pass through" rights, so the new and updated features covered by the agreement can be confidently used, serviced, and resold. The royalty-free access to responsible gaming innovations is likely to support the company's compliance and social responsibility goals.
What did Ainsworth Game Technology management say?
Ainsworth CEO Ryan Comstock said:
The Agreement we have entered into with Aristocrat (which is effective immediately) provides us with the certainty required to confidently implement our strategic growth initiatives in the Australian market.
We have also secured pass through rights which means Ainsworth's customers, distributors and venues are automatically licensed … giving our customers certainty of title as well as continuity.
What's next for Ainsworth Game Technology?
Ainsworth intends to leverage the certainty delivered by the licence deal to accelerate its Australian market strategy. With access to Aristocrat's patented features and responsible gaming tools, the company can focus on rolling out new products and updating existing games to stay aligned with customer and regulatory expectations.
Long term, the agreement is designed to support Ainsworth's innovation initiatives, reduce legal risks, and improve relationships with partners and venues across its Australian operations.
Ainsworth Game Technology share price snapshot
Over the past 12 months, Ainsworth Game Technology shares have risen 6%, outperforming the All Ordinaries Index (ASX: XAO), which has risen 3% over the same period.
