Australian gaming equipment supplier Ainsworth Game Technology (AGT) has reached a patent licensing agreement with Aristocrat that allows the company to use selected Aristocrat technologies in its Australian products.
The agreement requires Ainsworth to pay Aristocrat AU$8.5 million ($6.0 million) over a three-and-a-half-year period. It also resolves potential claims connected to Ainsworth’s previous use of the licensed patents in Australia.
The arrangement follows a 2025 Federal Court decision involving Aristocrat’s game feature patents. The ruling confirmed that Aristocrat’s patents covering features used in electronic gaming machines could receive patent protection, leading the two companies to begin discussions over future use of the technology.
The agreement between Ainsworth and Aristocrat entities Aristocrat Technologies Australia Pty Limited and Aristocrat Technologies, Inc. became effective immediately.
Hold & Spin Technology Included In License
Under the agreement, Aristocrat has provided Ainsworth with a non-exclusive and non-transferable license covering its Australian gameplay feature patents. The license includes Aristocrat’s Australian Hold & Spin patent family and applies to Ainsworth-branded electronic gaming machines, online games and mobile products in Australia.
The deal also provides Ainsworth’s customers, distributors and gaming venues with pass-through rights. These rights allow users of supplied products to operate, service and resell the units during the agreement period.
In return, Ainsworth has granted Aristocrat a non-exclusive and non-transferable license covering Ainsworth patents used in Aristocrat-branded products in Australia. Both companies have also agreed to release each other from claims involving past use of the licensed patents and will not challenge the patents covered by the agreement.
Ainsworth CEO Ryan Comstock said the agreement gives the company greater certainty as it continues its plans in the Australian market.
“The Agreement we have entered into with Aristocrat, which is effective immediately, provides us with the certainty required to confidently implement our strategic growth initiatives in the Australian market,” said Comstock, as reported by Inside Asian Gaming.
He added:
“The Agreement primarily covers game features including the Aristocrat Hold & Spin family and ensures we can incorporate these features when we make, sell, service, upgrade and convert Ainsworth branded electronic game machines and Ainsworth branded online and mobile games in Australia including when we manufacture and service through third parties.”
Comstock said the pass-through rights would provide customers with additional security regarding the products supplied under the agreement.
“We have also secured pass through rights which means Ainsworth’s customers, distributors and venues are automatically licensed to use, operate, service and resell units supplied during the term of the agreement giving our customers certainty of title as well as continuity.”
Responsible Gaming Patent Access Added
The agreement also gives Ainsworth access to Aristocrat’s responsible gaming patents through a royalty-free license.
The technologies covered include digital wallets, account-based play, player limits, self-exclusion tools, player messaging systems and AI-based risk detection. The license will remain valid until the individual responsible gaming patents expire, extending beyond the main three-and-a-half-year agreement period.
Comstock highlighted the importance of this part of the arrangement.
“Importantly we have also obtained a royalty free licence of Aristocrat’s responsible gaming patents such as digital wallets, account-based play, player limits, self-exclusion, player messaging and AI based risk detection. This licence will remain in place until each responsible gaming patent expires, which is well beyond the term of the agreement.”
The agreement’s payment structure will see the AU$8.5 million amount paid in instalments during the term, while other commercial details remain confidential.
Companies Settle Patent Matters After Court Decision
The agreement provides both companies with a framework for using each other’s patented technology in Australia while closing potential disputes related to previous activity.
Aristocrat’s successful 2025 Federal Court case concerning its game feature patents was the basis for subsequent negotiations. The company said protecting its intellectual property remains an important part of its business approach.
Aristocrat chief product officer Matthew Primmer said:
“Innovation and creativity sit at the heart of what we do. We are committed to protecting the great work of our dedicated creative and technical teams.”
The agreement allows Ainsworth to continue incorporating licensed Aristocrat features into its Australian products while enabling Aristocrat to use Ainsworth patents where applicable. The companies will continue operating under the agreed licensing terms throughout the contract period.