19/07/2005 Galacticos case against bookmakers dismissed by French court

19 July 2005, London - A French judge in the Paris Courts has thrown out a case brought by representatives of Real Madrid's Galacticos to prevent bookmakers from using players' names and images on betting websites.

In seeking an injunction, Real Madrid claimed that the use of its club name, players' names and photographs on betting sites constituted a breach of their rights.

Leading bookmakers, who worked together in defending the case, argued that the use of the club name and listing of player's names in bets is merely factual reporting rather than for any promotional purpose. The Court agreed; the use of the club name and a player's name and/or his image was not linked to the promotion of betting.

Commenting on the result, Clive Hawkswood of the Assocation of Remote Gambling Operators, the organisation that represents leading online bookmakers, said:

"This unusual case has seen Real Madrid and the Galacticos pursue legal action merely for the use of club and players' names in betting markets such as first goalscorer bets. The litigants believed their best chance of success was in the French Courts - but we are not surprised the case has been thrown out. We hope this is the end of the matter."

Defendants in the case included Ladbrokes, William Hill, Sportingbet and Betfair.

Notes to Editors:

Ladbrokes, the betting and gaming division of Hilton Group plc, is the world's biggest bookmaker. It provides its customers with a 24-hour a day, 7-days a week service via over 2,500 licensed betting shops in the UK, Ireland and Belgium, state of the art call centres in London and Liverpool and its interactive services. Over 1 million registered customers from 160 countries bet on the internet with Ladbrokes at www.ladbrokes.com, www.ladbrokespoker.com , www.ladbrokescasino.com and www.ladbrokesgames.com.

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