- Announce Cross-license of Computer and Server-based Infrastructure
Patents -
LAS VEGAS and WAUKEGAN, Ill., Feb. 22 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT) and WMS Industries Inc. (NYSE:
WMS) entered a new era of cooperation today with an agreement that provides
for a wide-ranging, non-exclusive cross-license of each other's
intellectual property and patents associated with realizing the benefits of
server-based gaming for their customers in an open architecture
environment.
In addition, both companies affirmed their commitment for product
interoperability and the advent of an enterprise-wide networked gaming
environment. The agreement between IGT, a wholly owned subsidiary of
International Game Technology, and WMS Gaming Inc., a wholly owned
subsidiary of WMS Industries Inc., covers certain patents and intellectual
property that address fundamental capabilities for computer and
server-based infrastructure in the gaming industry, including IGT's Alcorn
authentication and encryption patents. Both companies are members of the
Gaming Standards Association (GSA) and are committed to the open
architecture of the GSA standards and open network protocols.
"This agreement underscores the strong commitment by both companies to
drive industry change, clearing the way to provide casino operators with
significant new benefits and players with innovative gaming experiences
enabled by the advanced technology of networked gaming," said Brian R.
Gamache, President and Chief Executive Officer for WMS. "With this
agreement, the foundation is in place to offer the next generation of
innovative products personalized for players and unique, world-class
applications and services for our customers that will drive enhanced
financial returns."
TJ Matthews, Chief Executive Officer of IGT, said, "This agreement will
provide the momentum for both companies to achieve their common vision -- a
revolution in networked gaming applications, player features, and casino
entertainment. The agreement accelerates the introduction of innovative,
value-add applications previously announced by IGT and WMS, such as IGT's
award-winning sb(TM) Service Window."
IGT is developing a complete set of individualized sb(TM)
(server-based) products and services to maximize profitability across the
entire casino enterprise. With IGT sb(TM) Products, operators will be able
to weave in all their amenities for increased profitability.
About IGT
International Game Technology (NYSE: IGT) is a global company
specializing in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and
sales of computerized gaming machines and systems products. More
information on IGT can be found at http://www.igt.com.
About WMS
WMS is engaged in serving the gaming industry worldwide by designing,
manufacturing and marketing video and reel-spinning gaming machines, video
lottery terminals, and through its gaming operations business, which
consists of the placement of leased participation gaming machines in legal
gaming venues. More information on WMS can be found at http://www.wms.com.
This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning our
future business performance, strategy, outlook, plans, liquidity, pending
regulatory matters and outcomes of contingencies, including legal
proceedings, among others. Forward-looking statements may be typically
identified by such words as "may," "will," "should," "expect,"
"anticipate," "plan," "believe," "estimate," "project," and "intend," among
others. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and
uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from
the expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements. Although we
believe that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements
are reasonable, any or all of our forward-looking statements may prove to
be incorrect. Consequently, no forward-looking statements may be
guaranteed. Factors which could cause our actual results to differ from
expectations include (1) delay or refusal by regulators to approve our new
gaming platforms, cabinet designs, game themes and related hardware and
software; (2) a failure to obtain and maintain our gaming licenses and
regulatory approvals; (3) an inability to introduce in a timely manner new
games and gaming machines that achieve and maintain market acceptance; (4)
a decrease in the desire of casino customers to upgrade gaming machines or
allot floor space to leased or participation games, resulting in reduced
demand for our products; (5) cancellation or modification by customers of
new gaming machine or participation orders; (6) a software anomaly or
fraudulent manipulation of our gaming machines and software; (7) a failure
to obtain the right to use, or an inability to adapt to rapid development
of new technologies; and (8) an infringement claim seeking to restrict our
use of material technologies. These factors and other factors that could
cause actual results to differ from expectations are more fully described
under "Item 1. Business-Risk Factors" in our Annual Reports on Form 10-K
and our more recent reports filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
SOURCE IGT
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Related links:
http://www.igt.com
CONTACT:
media, Ed Rogich, +1-702-896-8500, or
investors, Pat Cavanaugh, 1-866-296-4232, for IGT; or William
Pfund of WMS, +1-847-785-3167, bpfund@wms.com; or Joseph Jaffoni
or Richard Land, both of Jaffoni & Collins Incorporated,
+1-212-835-8500, wms@jcir.com, for WMS
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