International Game Technology Plc (IGT) announced the acquisition of assets, patents and other intellectual properties from Leap Forward Gaming Inc (LFG). This includes LFG’s picture-in-picture multimedia ecosystem technology, SaffariNet Patron Display Interface. IGT has agreed to dismiss its litigation with LFG as part of the deal. Commenting on the purchase, Victor Duarte, IGT Global Chief Product Officer of Gaming, said: “This acquisition builds upon IGT's industry-leading intellectual property portfolio by enabling us to broaden the scope of our casino management systems solutions,
"The acquired system-agnostic assets include applications and technologies that are complementary to IGT's existing solutions, and may help us to enhance our offerings to customers over time."
IGT detailed that SaffariNet technology works with gaming machines and systems to enhance casino operator communications and deliver better marketing to patrons. Numerous gaming apps are also included in the acquisition. Leap Forward founder and CEO Ali Saffari will serve as a consultant to IGT to ensure a seamless integration of the solutions and applications related to the acquisition.
IGT has recently announced several deals granting access to technology originally developed outside the group. Several of the agreements also give outsiders access to IGT technology.
In October IGT signed independent cross-licensing agreements covering game features and system patents, with Australia-based slot machine maker Aristocrat Leisure Ltd and game content supplier Everi Holdings Inc.
