The reason for WMS Industries Inc. (WMS) recent attack on Party Gaming with regard to a trademark infringement issue became clearer this week when the casino gaming firm launched an online casino site branded with one of the contentious titles .
The case dates back four years, when WMS brought an action against the Gibraltar company, alleging use of the names “Jackpot Party” and “Super Jackpot Party” on its Internet games, and claiming that these infringed 1997 trademarks WMS had registered for its machines.
The case has been through the U.S. District Court for Illinois North and the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals which recently ruled that WMS can continue to pursue the case as it seeks $287 million from Party Gaming.
The new WMS Gaming website, Jackpot Party.com is registered in Alderney and offers players proprietary online slots, blackjack, roulette, video poker, instant and card and table games.