Facts

Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited and Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. ("Aristocrat") filed a lawsuit against International Game Technology and IGT in relation to technology for progressive video slot machines and systems, and the patents of methods triggering an improved jackpot feature.

After the court held on summary judgment that defendants did not infringe, the court held a bench trial on an inequitable conduct counterclaim.

DEFENDANTS' CONTENTIONS:
Defendants argued that plaintiffs' patents were unenforceable because plaintiffs' former patent attorney engaged in inequitable acts by allegedly deceiving the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO).

Result

The court ruled in favor of plaintiffs, finding that neither plaintiffs nor their former attorney intentionally deceived the PTO.