It turns out that a whole series of slot machines distributed by IGT was actually stolen from their partner GC2. On this occasion, the companies sued for several years and finally came to an amicable agreement. IGT just bought the disputed slots and closed the case.
GC2 is a small game developer. In 2003, their relationship with IGT began with the signing of a contract giving IGT the exclusive right to license and distribute all GC2 projects. The relationship ended in litigation that began in 2016.
Under the terms of the agreement, IGT had no right to use GC2 projects for online casinos, and this was clearly stated in the document. Despite this, the developer released online versions of the slots without prior permission.
Presumably this was not done intentionally, as the IGT director sent a letter to the GC2 director saying that after the slots were launched, they found out that they had not acquired the rights to these slots.
In his appeal to the jury, the injured party requested that the offender be punished by paying compensation in the amount of all the profits received by IGT from illegally used slots. In addition, they asked to ban the distribution of these slot machines on the Internet. They noted that they are a relatively small company and that IGT's act caused them serious damage, as they did not receive a significant amount of money.
Pharaoh’s Fortune, Coyote Moon, King Pin Bowling, Lucky Lion Fish, Kitty Glitter and some others were tried in court. In reviewing the case, it was noted that the two Kitty Glitter developers had nothing in common other than a cat theme.
But about Pharaoh's Fortune and Coyote Moon, other conclusions were drawn. It was found that there was evidence that the respondent company had infringed intellectual property rights. It was said that IGT made changes to the graphics and removed the GC2 logo.
Peace Agreement
Recently it became known that the parties came to an agreement. IGT becomes the owner of 30 games developed by GC2. However, the amount the company paid for this was not disclosed. Under the terms of the agreement, IGT, now the owner of the slots, grants GC2 the right to use their games in non-gaming applications.
