International Game Technology (IGT) has announced that Judge Sue L. Robinson of the United States District Court for the District of Delaware has ruled that Bally Technologies and its affiliates Bally Gaming International and Bally Gaming had infringed IGT patents with its Power Rewards technology. The court also granted IGT's motion for summary judgment that the '885 and '812 patents are valid.

In the same order, Judge Robinson denied Bally's motion for a ruling that IGT's. '983 patent is invalid but found that Bally's "SDS Power Winners" did not infringe the '885 patent and that Bally's Power Bank and Power Promotions did not infringe the '983 patent. The lawsuit against Bally was filed in 2006 and seeks monetary damages and an injunction.

"We are pleased that the court has affirmed the validity of our patents and their infringement. We believe strongly in the United States patent system and the need to protect our intellectual property and respect the valid intellectual property rights of others," said Patti Hart, IGT's President and Chief Executive Officer. The company expects there will be a trial to assess damages following a period of related discovery. (E-04.30.09)

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