Key Moments:
- Macau’s Judicial Court of First Instance dismissed LT Game’s patent claims against Light & Wonder subsidiaries in a ruling dated July 30, 2025.
- The court invalidated two LT Game patents, finding them obvious and lacking inventive step under Macau’s Industrial Property Legal Regime.
- LT Game has indicated it will appeal, despite being ordered to stop referencing the revoked patents and cover legal expenses.
Court Decision Brings Closure to Extended Legal Fight
The Judicial Court of First Instance in Macau has rejected efforts by LT Game to enforce its electronic table game patents against multiple Light & Wonder subsidiaries. The court issued its ruling on July 30, 2025, though it became public only recently. This decision ends one of Asia’s longest-running gaming industry disputes.
Details of the Judgment
Judge Chan Chi Weng presided over the case, ruling in favor of Light & Wonder entities, including Shuffle Master Asia Limited, Shuffle Master Inc., and SG Jogos Ásia S.A. The court dismissed all allegations put forth by LT Game, Jay Chun, and Natural Noble Limited, while also upholding the defendants’ counterclaim.
The court declared LT Game Patents I/150 and I/380 null and void, canceling their registration. The court prohibited the plaintiffs from citing these patents in the future, citing Article 107 of Macau’s Industrial Property Law. LT Game is also held responsible for all associated legal costs.
| Patent Reference | Status |
|---|---|
| I/150 | Declared null and void |
| I/380 | Declared null and void |
Historical Context of the Dispute
The dispute began in 2012 when LT Game tried to protect innovations linked to baccarat jackpots and gaming terminals. It escalated after customs officials seized equipment at a local trade show for alleged patent violations. LT Game asserted exclusive rights to particular live dealer multi-game terminals on display, pursuing injunctions, damages, and public retractions relating to supposed infringements.
During the height of the conflict, LT Game demanded US$15,000 per gaming machine that it claimed infringed its patents, including at trade exhibitions. These actions reportedly had a significant chilling effect on industry events and generated considerable media attention.
Implications for the Industry and Future Steps
The court’s decision relieves Light & Wonder and its affiliates from liability tied to the disputed patents. It reinforces the principle that patent protection requires a high threshold, avoiding unwarranted monopolies through unsubstantiated intellectual property claims.
Light & Wonder now operates free of these legal restrictions. However, LT Game intends to appeal, which keeps the door open for further proceedings.
This case sets an instructive precedent for how intellectual property disputes may be handled within Macau’s gaming sector, highlighting the complex nature of patent law as technology rapidly evolves. For technology providers and industry stakeholders, the ruling offers greater clarity regarding the enforceability of patent claims and the judicial standards applied.
- Author
Daniel Williams
