Long running dispute patent dispute settled

Thursday 26th August 2004

CasinoWebCam and The Home Gambling Network appear to have settled a long running licensing dispute today over the rights to HGN’s patent 5,800,268 which concerns live the ‘method of remote wagering on live games and events utilizing electronic transactions’. HGN, which has always aggressively defended its patent, most famously against Macau casino mogul, Stanley Ho, entered into a licensing agreement with CasinoWebcam in December 2003.

Four months later, however, the two companies appeared to mysteriously fall out over terms and conditions. In April 2004 a statement from HGN Mel Molnick declared: ‘HGN and Mel Molnick no longer have any relationship with CasinoWebcam. CasinoWebcam no longer has rights to use the HGN patent nor does it have any rights to sub-license the patent to gaming operators in an effort to enforce the patent.’

This was followed swiftly by a statement from CasinoWebCam denying the rift and claiming that the licensing agreement was still in full force. A spate of contradictory press releases then flew back and forth. Four months on, a statement which, though cagey, would suggest that the two companies have reached some form of compromise has been issued. It reads:

“CasinoWebcam and Home Gambling Network today announced a settlement in their dispute regarding CasinoWebcam's rights in U.S. patent. The terms of settlement are confidential. However, subject to the terms of the Agreement, CasinoWebcam is licensed to use CWC software and services and to sell CWC software and services to prospective third party licensees and Home Gambling Network retains all other rights to its patents and intellectual property. “

Source: OnlineCasinoNews