Light & Wonder has expressed disappointment following a Nevada Court decision granting rival Aristocrat access to the math models behind certain Light & Wonder hold and spin games released since 2021. The ruling allows Aristocrat to pursue discovery as part of an ongoing trade secret misappropriation and copyright dispute, marking a significant development in the multi-year legal battle.
The legal conflict traces back to Light & Wonder’s Dragon Train-themed poker machines, which Aristocrat claimed infringed upon its Dragon Link pokies. In March 2024, Aristocrat filed a complaint alleging trade secret misappropriation linked to Light & Wonder’s replacement games, including Dragon Train Grand Central, a social game. Aristocrat argued that even without directly using claimed secrets, the new games would still “reap the benefits” of proprietary math and mechanics, potentially giving Light & Wonder an unfair commercial advantage.
Court Grants Discovery Access
Previously, the court had denied a similar motion, but the renewed filing allows Aristocrat to examine the underlying math models in games developed after Emma Charles, a former Aristocrat designer, joined Light & Wonder in 2021. The discovery period is scheduled to close on December 15, 2025, with expert discovery set to end March 16, 2026, giving both sides time to review and respond to the data produced.
Light & Wonder emphasized: “While we are disappointed with the court’s ruling, we remain confident, based on the expert review we previously disclosed, that there is no evidence of Aristocrat math being used in any commercially released games other than Dragon Train and Jewel of the Dragon.”
The company has already taken steps in compliance with prior rulings, including halting commercialization of Jewel of the Dragon and shelving an unreleased game. Additionally, the redeployment of 2,000 Dragon Train cabinets in the U.S. with other Light & Wonder titles reflects the company’s commitment to align with judicial requirements.
Legal Context and Broader Disputes
This Nevada litigation is not Light & Wonder’s only legal challenge; the company is also settling an infringement case with Evolution. The dispute with Aristocrat began with a preliminary injunction in September 2024, which prevented further sales, leasing, or commercial use of Dragon Train machines. Aristocrat Chief Product Officer Matthew Primmer commented: “We are extremely pleased with the court’s decision.”
Following the injunction, Light & Wonder CEO Matt Wilson released a statement detailing the company’s plans to comply with court orders while redeveloping Dragon Train games with new math models. The updates also included adjustments to the replacement units to ensure compliance with intellectual property standards.
Ongoing Litigation and Industry Implications
Aristocrat’s renewed complaint emphasizes trade secret misappropriation and potential continued benefit from Light & Wonder’s previous use of proprietary math. The Nevada Court’s approval of discovery provides Aristocrat the opportunity to evaluate whether Light & Wonder improperly leveraged its intellectual property. The litigation remains active, with both companies preparing for the upcoming closure of fact and expert discovery. This case continues to attract industry attention due to its potential implications on game development practices and IP protection standards.
Source:
“Light & Wonder ‘disappointed’ by court ruling on Aristocrat litigation”, capitalbrief.com, October 20, 2025
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