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Ultimate Blackjack Tour, Debuting on CBS Nationwide in September, Files Suit Against The Game Show Network

The suit, filed yesterday by UBT in the Los Angeles Superior Court, requests a permanent injunction restraining GSN from airing the "World Series of Blackjack" in its current format. The complaint also includes a request for monetary damages.

UBT, founded by a group of gaming and entertainment experts, created a fast-paced and novel format for a blackjack tournament that is uniquely suited for television programming. The format, known as "elimination blackjack," has several variations from traditional blackjack tournaments including elimination rounds and secret bets. UBT has registered its novel methodology for patent protection with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

In its complaint, UBT contends that it presented its novel concepts to GSN during two meetings in 2005 on a strictly confidential basis and invited GSN to partner with UBT on a television program based on UBT's ideas and concepts. GSN had previously aired traditional blackjack tournaments under the title, "World Series of Blackjack." Because they were based on traditional blackjack rules, the suit alleges, these shows lacked the drama and excitement of the "elimination" style invented by UBT. According to the complaint, although GSN declined the opportunity to work with UBT, it misappropriated their ideas and incorporated them into a new, "World Series of Blackjack" that featured "knock-out" hands and concepts taken from the UBT presentations, UBT's "sizzle reel" of its new program and from UBT players and production staff.

CBS Sports has made a two-season commitment to Ultimate Blackjack Tour which begins airing on CBS during its Saturday afternoon sports block on September 16.

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