Vegas slot machine company says rival took its technology

United Coin Machine has filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas claiming that rival Gaming Technology Corp. has poached its patented design of a slot machine payout system.

Both Las Vegas-based companies operate slot routes, with gaming machines at locations such as convenience stores and restaurants with restricted licenses.

United Coin contended that its Secure Pay system is covered by two patents dating back eight years. This monitors game payouts and requires an attendant to verify a win through a terminal prior to handing over money, which the company says enhances game security.

Gaming Technology has since come out with GameLinx system that is designed to accomplish the same goals. In the five-page complaint, United Coin claims it infringes on the Secure Pay patents. However, Gaming Technology said on its website that it had developed "innovative systems."