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24.03.2006 Mel Molnick, the aggressive patent holder for the "live over the Internet" concept where live casino gambling is streamed over the Internet to players, has given notice that he intends to litigate against some of the biggest names in European online gambling following the approval of his European patent in January of this year. Home Gambling Network, Inc. of Nevada and Molnick have filed patent infringement lawsuits against the following companies :
* Sportingbet plc
* Hilton Group plc / Ladbrokes
* Cherryforetragen AB / Net Entertainment/ Betsson
* World Gaming plc
* VO Group of Costa Rica
* Betinternet.com plc
Interestingly, the announcement lists Casino Web Cam as part of Betinternet, implying that this company formerly operated by the late Adam Anhang and a sub-licensor of "Live over the Internet" technology casinos is now part of the Isle of Man public company.
The announcement notes that the European Patent Office has approved Molnick's patent for live gaming events with electronic fund transfers for remote players. Following this, Molnick is presently registering the patent in all EPO countries and member territories, as now enforceable throughout the world.
Molnick's HGN already has a U.S. patent (U.S. 5,800,268) that he has successfully used to take on major online gambling operators like Dr. Ho and CWC.
A company spokesman said: "Mr. Molnick anticipates filing numerous patent infringement lawsuits throughout Europe and the EPO territories for all those infringing upon his patent since November 17, 1999 (the date of publication). The patent pertains to a business method for remote wagering on live games and events utilising electronic transactions, and provides its assignee with full provisional patent protection.
"Specifically, via remote wagering, consumers can place bets from anywhere in the world without having to go to an actual wagering entity such as a casino, race track, sports book, or off-track betting parlor. Location-free wagering such as this is delivered to consumers via the Internet, satellite and cable television, and wireless technologies. Live games and events include casino-style games, pari-mutuel wagering, lotteries, sports betting, bingo, keno, and more. Electronic financial transactions are executed by credit card, debit card, smart card, as well as e-cash and any other electronic funds transfer."
Mel Molnick is President of i2corp and Home Gambling Network. He created the HGN patent (U.S. 5,800,268), and co-founded HGN with his daughter in 1995.
HGN was formed specifically to market and license the original U.S. Patent 5,800,268, which was granted in September 1998. Prior to becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of i2corp in February of 2000 HGN was the force behind the movement to introduce operators and players alike to live remote wagering.
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