Date: 10.10.2024

by Adam Dworak

Last update: 10.10.2024 12:54

Playtech Files Lawsuit Over Alleged IP Infringement in Live Casino Market

According to NEXT.io, gaming giant Playtech has initiated a legal battle over intellectual property (IP) infringement, filing a claim in the UK’s High Court in May against Games Global and several other defendants. This legal action comes in response to earlier allegations that OnAir Entertainment, a competitor in the live casino sector, had been spying on Playtech’s operations.

Background of the Case

The lawsuit follows reports published by NEXT.io, which earlier this year highlighted claims that OnAir had been accessing Playtech’s internal systems.

According to these reports, former OnAir senior product owner Ivans Ivanovs alleged that a former colleague, Igors Veliks, retained access to Playtech’s internal environment after leaving its subsidiary, Euro Live Technologies.

This led to concerns that proprietary information might have been compromised, prompting Playtech to investigate potential IP infringement.

Playtech’s Investigation into IP Breach

Following the initial allegations, Playtech confirmed that it was aware of the issue and had launched an internal investigation. A spokesperson for Playtech told NEXT.io:

“We are aware of the issue involving OnAir Entertainment and are investigating potential IP infringement and other possible claims. We are working to fully investigate this matter and will provide an update in due course.”

While the claims raised serious concerns about possible spying or unauthorized use of proprietary information, OnAir Entertainment initiated its own independent investigation into the matter.

Although the investigator’s name was not disclosed, OnAir stated that the findings showed no evidence of spying or IP theft.

OnAir’s Response to Allegations

OnAir responded to the allegations, acknowledging that an employee did retain access to Playtech’s internal systems but stressed that this was solely for competitor analysis, a common practice within the iGaming sector.

According to OnAir, the access did not involve spying, copying, or any form of IP infringement.

OnAir spokesperson told NEXT.io: “Given this nature of the demo environment, no proprietary information beyond externally facing games which are already committed to and completed for release is available.

“The investigation concluded that the individual utilised the system solely for competitor analysis, a standard industry practice within the iGaming sector.

“In light of these findings, OnAir Entertainment is confident that the access was not used for spying, copying, or any infringing activity in any manner.”

Legal Proceedings and Representation

As the legal battle unfolds, the case remains under the purview of the UK’s High Court. Playtech Software Limited and Euro Live Technologies SIA are listed as claimants, represented by the prestigious law firm Linklaters.

The defendants, including Games Global Limited, Games Global Operations Limited, and Realtime SIA—OnAir’s corporate entity—are being defended by Cooley LLP and Herbert Smith Freehills LLP.

No public filings have yet been made available on the case’s docket, and further details on the legal proceedings are expected to emerge as the case progresses.

Source: next.io