RENO, Nev., Oct. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- International Game
Technology (NYSE: IGT) announced today that Judge Robert C. Jones of the
U.S. District Court for the District of Nevada issued summary judgment
rulings in Case No. CV-S-04-1676-RCJ between IGT and Bally Technologies,
Inc., finding certain of IGT's patents-in-suit, including patents that IGT
alleges cover Bally's bonus wheel gaming machines, invalid based on
obviousness. The ruling also found that Bally was not infringing certain of
the patent claims asserted by IGT.
The ruling does not affect the validity of IGT's asserted patent
relating to bonus reel games, and also does not affect the validity of (nor
certain claims for infringement under) IGT's asserted patent covering a
universal player tracking system. The court has scheduled a hearing to
address issues relating to appellate review of the summary judgment
rulings, as well as the claims and counterclaims that remain pending, which
are currently set for trial on November 4, 2008.
"IGT is disappointed by these rulings. However, we continue to strongly
believe that our positions are correct and that we will ultimately prevail.
We intend to continue to vigorously pursue this lawsuit, and if necessary
will appeal the rulings at the appropriate time," said TJ Matthews, IGT's
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
"On appeal, these decisions will be reviewed by a specialized patent
court in Washington, D.C., the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals. The
Federal Circuit will review most of the issues de novo. Under this
standard, the Federal Circuit will review the issues as if they were being
presented for the first time. We look forward to presenting the merits of
IGT's position to that Court," said Dave Johnson, IGT's Executive Vice
President and General Counsel.
IGT (http://www.IGT.com) is a global company specializing in the design,
development, manufacturing, distribution and sales of computerized gaming
machines and systems products.
Statements in this release, which are not historical facts, are
"forward looking" statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform
Act of 1995. Although IGT believes that the expectations reflected in any
of its forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could
differ materially from those projected or assumed. IGT's future financial
condition and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking
statements, are subject to change and to inherent known and unknown risks
and uncertainties. IGT does not intend, and undertakes no obligation, to
update forward-looking statements to reflect future events or
circumstances.
Information on risks and factors that could affect IGT's business and
financial results are included in our public filings made with the
Securities and Exchange Commission.
SOURCE International Game Technology
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Related links:
http://www.igt.com
CONTACT:
Patrick Cavanaugh, Investor Relations of
International Game Technology, 1-866-296-4232
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