Evolution and Light & Wonder Clash Over Intellectual Property

A new stage has begun in the legal battle between gaming behemoths Evolution and Light & Wonder (L&W). Evolution has been forced to defend its desire to have portions of their case sealed due to a recent court ruling, which has highlighted the controversial debate around intellectual property.

According to Evolution’s complaint, L&W created imitation versions of its well-known Lightning Roulette game by using private information. Evolution claims that during 2021 discussions, when Evolution was thinking about a land-based Lightning Roulette game with the assistance of Scientific Games, now LNW Gaming, L&W obtained confidential mathematical information.

Evolution alleges it shared unique mathematical files with L&W during these talks. The data, proprietary to Lightning Roulette, could not have been gathered through mere observation, supporting Evolution’s claims of intellectual property theft. Instead of collaborating on the project, L&W allegedly used the confidential information to create its own games, Roulette X and PowerX, actions that Evolution argues were intended to harm their business.

Battle Over Confidentiality

In an attempt to protect sensitive information, Evolution filed a motion to seal portions of its complaint. Evolution argued that public disclosure could lead to further complications, as L&W might claim Evolution breached confidentiality agreements. However, Judge Elayna Youchah denied this motion, highlighting the strong presumption in favor of public access to court records.

Judge Youchah stated that sealing parts of the filing required a compelling reason. She found that Evolution’s general claims about unspecified confidentiality agreements did not meet this standard. She emphasized, “Plaintiffs must provide some factual basis as to the nature of the information they seek to seal that supports an adequate legal reason for their request.”

Judge Youchah has instructed Evolution to file a detailed memorandum by June 10, demonstrating a compelling reason for their sealing request. For now, the complaint remains temporarily sealed, pending further court orders.