The airing debut of the Ultimate Blackjack Tour (UBT) is fast approaching. But the event and entertainment company of the same name with commitment for a Saturday afternoon network show booked to start on the 16th of September under a two season deal with CBS Sports, has filed suit against The Game Show Network (GSN).
In the suit filed by UBT last Tuesday in Los Angeles superior court, GSN is charged with breach of an "implied contract." The company, therefore, seeks a permanent injunction restraining GSN from airing World Series of Blackjack in it's current format and also seeks monetary damages.
UBT claims in the filed complaint, that during two meetings in 2005, it presented to GSN a unique TV format called "elimination Blackjack" on a strictly confidential basis and invited GSN to partner with it on a series. The elimination format, which has several variations, including elimination rounds and secret bets was created and patented by the UBT's founders, who come from gaming and entertainment.
According to the suit, GSN refused but "misappropriated" the ideas into its returning World Series of Blackjack, which formerly went by traditional blackjack rules.
The latest GSN series features "knock-out" hands and concepts taken from the UBT presentations, "sizzle reel," players and production staff, UBT claims.
On the other hand, UBT is also alleging breach of confidence, unfair competition and unjust enrichment. But GSN officials made no comments yet.
Thursday, August 24 , 2006
Emma Green