Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd v Pacific Gaming Pty Ltd

Aristocrat Leisure Industries Pty Ltd sought relief against Pacific Gaming Pty Ltd for copyright infringement, with the case being heard in the Federal Court of Australia. Aristocrat alleged that Pacific had infringed its copyright by copying the specifications of four of its gaming machines into the specifications and E Proms for Pacific's gaming machines. Aristocrat claimed that Pacific had intentionally copied its specifications, and sought injunctive relief, damages, and an account of profits. Pacific admitted that its games contained a computer program and that the E Prom satisfied the definition of a "computer program" under the Act. The central issue before the court was whether Pacific had infringed Aristocrat's copyright by copying its specifications into the specifications and E Proms for Pacific's gaming machines. The court found that Aristocrat's copyright in the specifications of the four games subsisted at all relevant times and that Pacific had infringed this copyright by copying the specifications into the specifications and E Proms for Pacific's gaming machines. The court found the copying was done intentionally. The court considered it appropriate to grant an injunction and directed the parties to bring in Short Minutes within four weeks to give effect to the decision and to provide for costs. The court also directed that a timetable be prepared for the hearing of any issues as to the nature and quantum of pecuniary claims.