Two rivals release domains following 32Red court victory over William Hill Online.

AIM-listed online casino operator 32Red Plc has announced that two further operators of online casino websites have given up infringing domains and relinquished control of them.

This follows 32Red’s avowal that it would “continue taking steps to assert and protect its intellectual property rights” after its recent High Court victory against William Hill Online, which was operating a site called ’32Vegas’.

Now it’s been revealed that the owners of ’32Royal’ have transferred their web address to 32Red unconditionally, and that another gaming operator, Spin32, has changed the name of its business and transferred all domains containing the digits ’32’ to 32Red again without condition.

The strength of 32Red’s intellectual property rights were publicly and unequivocally confirmed in the case against William Hill Online. In a Judgment handed down in January by Mr Justice Henderson, after a six-day trial the previous October, the court upheld 32Red’s claim that 32Vegas, an online casino operated by William Hill Online under a joint venture between William Hill and Playtech, infringed 32Red’s European Community trade marks.

The judge also dismissed William Hill’s claims that the trade marks owned by 32Red (’32Red’ and ’32’) should be invalidated. He concluded that “the 32Red brand was highly distinctive”, and “enjoyed a strong reputation in the online gambling community”. Mr Justice Henderson added: “The goods and services covered by the Vegas signs were identical, and the degree of similarity between the signs and the Community marks was high, including in particular the initial ’32’… the detriment to the distinctive character of the Community marks lay in the risk of a false association with 32Vegas, a brand with an inferior reputation which operated in the same marketplace”.

Ed Ware, CEO of 32Red Plc said: “We are happy to have these two other infringing domains safely under our control. The protection of an online entity’s intellectual property rights are vital to the wellbeing of any internet business, and as an entirely online enterprise, with no physical presence in our markets, this makes our brand, our domain name and our reputation pivotal to the success of the business”.

“We have had the imagination to create a distinctive and appealing brand in 32Red, and have invested millions in advertising it over nearly 10 years. We will continue to take action to protect our property and rights where necessary.”

City of London-based solicitors McDermott, Will & Emery represented 32Red throughout the
action with William Hill Online and continue to act for the Company in the upcoming Damages Inquiry and the appeal against the decision lodged by William Hill Online.

McDermott partner Hiroshi Sheraton added: “An effective strategy for enforcing IP rights is essential in building a strong brand like 32Red, particularly in the online world, which is often seen as a ‘soft target’. Although the decision to take legal action to protect a brand is never one that’s easily taken, particularly against an industry stalwart such as William Hill, the findings of the judge speak for themselves. It is reassuring that others are now taking notice.”

32Red Plc (32Red), the award-winning online gaming operator, announces that the High Court of Justice of England & Wales (the Court) has today delivered its Judgment in the Company’s trade mark dispute against William Hill, the owners of 32Vegas online casino.

32Red is pleased to report that the Court ruled in favour of 32Red, holding that the use of 32 Vegas and 32V infringe 32Red’s European Community Registered Trade Marks.

The Court held that William Hill’s 32 Vegas casino signs were sufficiently similar to 32Reds marks to cause a likelihood of confusion amongst consumers.

The Court also held that William Hill’s infringement caused detriment to the distinctive character & repute of 32Red’s trade marks. The Court dismissed William Hill’s counterclaim as to the validity of 32Red’s trade mark rights in the UK & European Community.

This positive judgment follows nearly two years of proceedings against William Hill. In the near future the Court will make an order on the consequences of this result. Amongst other things, 32Red will ask for:

an injunction to prevent use of 32Vegas marks in the European Community repayment of its significant legal costs an inquiry to take place to assess the extent of damages or profits arising from the infringement.

It is not possible at this stage to quantify the positive financial impact that this significant victory will eventually have. The Board will continue to keep shareholders informed of any developments as & when they arise.

Ed Ware, CEO of 32Red said:

"We are naturally delighted that the High Court has upheld our claims. This judgment firmly establishes our Intellectual Property Rights & should deter other operators from infringing our trade marks.

As highlighted by the judge, we have an excellent reputation as an online casino operator and a strong brand – these are extremely valuable assets in any marketplace."

News source: 32red Wins Trade Mark Dispute In High Court

The award-winning 32Red Online Casino expands through the acquisition of Nedplay Casino, absorbing the player base and processing outstanding player payments.

32Red is today pleased to announce that Nedplay Casino becomes part of the award-winning gaming operator’s group of casinos. The acquisition of the Nedplay casino, including the player database, Internet domains and Intellectual Property by 32Red, means that players at the Nedplay casino now enjoy the same high level of service and support, and exciting promotions as players at the Company’s other two casinos, 32Red Casino and Dash Casino.

CEO of 32Red, Ed Ware, commented: "We are pleased to have the Nedplay Casino join our group and look forward to delivering the same high standards we apply across our existing operations to the Nedplay Casino".

The acquisition comes after the flagship casino, 32Red, following six years of successive Best Casino awards, is named Casino of the Decade by industry watchdog and player advocacy site, Casinomeister. Ware added:

"Nedplay players join 32Red at a time when our efforts over the past 7 years have accumulated in our receiving the first ever Casino of the Decade accolade. They can now look forward to the same award-winning service and online casino experience 32Red regulars have enjoyed since the casino’s launch in 2002."

The Nedplay brand continues for the time being with 32Red due to assess future plans over the coming weeks. Players with approved pending withdrawals that are outstanding should expect payment from 32Red shortly. Likewise any outstanding Affiliate Partner payments will be settled in the short-term.

32Red Plc – listed on the AIM of the London Stock Exchange (Ticker: TTR) – recently announced a positive end to trading in H2 2009, with gaming revenue up 19% on the first half of the same year and a 23% increase in player recruitment numbers from 2008. The addition of Nedplay will strengthen the company’s presence in the gaming sector for 2010 and is further positive news following the upbeat trading update.

Europe’s fastest growing payments provider announces a deal with award-winning online Casino and Poker room.

Realex Payments announced today that they have signed a deal with awardwinning gaming operator, 32Red, to support its card processing requirements.

32Red prides itself on delivering superior service to its players and wasrecently awarded Online Casino of the Decade. The Company needed to source anew payments partner who could meet the same level of service that theycommit to providing their customers.

Commenting on the deal, Pat Harrison, 32Red‘s Operations Director said "Realex Payments came to us with something different. The level of supportand proactive service they provide is what sets them apart". The deal involves Realex Payments providing payment processing for 32Red across a variety of products, currencies, regions and card types. This dealcomes less than a month after Realex Payments announced signing a deal with Cryptologic.

"Realex Payments has delivered an impressive, cost effective solution thatis both technologically superior and operationally advanced compared toanything else on the market. We see this partnership as long term and onethat will add value to our customers through improved hygiene factors suchas reliability, management information and service" Harrison concluded. Speaking about the deal, Realex Payments CEO and founder Colm Lyon said “Aswe grow our gaming portfolio it is important that we secure partnershipswith respected operators, such as 32Red. To be selected by 32Red ahead ofothers demonstrates our leadership and ability to deliver service ledbespoke payment solutions".

32Red Online Casino receives the first ever Casino of the Decade award by gaming watchdogs, Casinomeister.

The Gibraltar-based online casino operator, 32Red, has been declared Casino of the Decade by leading casino player watchdog and advocacy site, Casinomeister. Following six successive years as the Best Casino winner, the latest title rewards the firm’s consistent performance over the last 10 years.

During the last decade 32Red has featured regularly in award ceremonies and received prestigious nominations. As Casinomeister has highlighted in the past, and also in the company’s most recent award, 32Red has raised the bar for others to follow by pioneering a personal, transparent approach to player support and casino bonuses. In the official announcement, Bryan Bailey of Casinomeister said the following regarding 32Red’s achievements and new award:

"They (32Red) have maintained their focus since their launch: personable customer service, responsive and effective management, professional solid operations. Publicly traded, fully transparent, and they are bound by an ideology that is based on player satisfaction. These guys have a lot to be proud of…again"

32Red CEO, Ed Ware, was delighted by the award, commenting "the Casino of the Decade sits above all other awards in this year’s Casinomeister list and it’s one we receive with a great deal of pride. 32Red aimed to be here when we launched the online casino ( 32Red Casino ) and we’re honoured that, come the end of ‘naughties’, we’re right at the top of our industry".

Ware added that the company philosophy remains unchanged and that it will continue to drive the casino to new heights: "the numerous awards from Casinomeister in the past decade have shown that focussing on the player experience is valued where it matters most – the player’s themselves, which Casinomeister and the award represents. It is both justification of this philosophy and motivation to continue providing a service that really is second to none"

About 32Red:

32Red is the six times winner of the Best Casino award and holder of the Casino of the Decade title from industry watchdog and player advocacy site, Casinomeister. 32Red is renowned for providing industry-leading levels of support to players and for its 350 casino games, including over 250 online slots, online roulette and more. Over 80% of 32Red’s players are from the UK and 32Red is licensed and regulated by the Government of Gibraltar. The Company operates 32Red Casino, 32Red Poker, 32Red Mobile, 32Red Affiliates, 32Red Bet and Dash Casino. 32Red Casino is committed to responsible gambling and ensures the company adheres fully to UK law. 32Red Plc listed on the London Stock Exchange in September 2005.