PokerStars starts legal war against PokerTableRatings.com

PokerStars has launched a full out legal attack on controversial data-mining website Poker Table Ratings. PokerStars claims infringement of intellectual property rights and breach of the terms and conditions of the poker room and it looks like they intend to go for an all-out war if necessary.

What is PokerTableRatings? It's an online collection of tools designed to give advantage to players using tools like Table Selector, Player Research Tool, a Buddy List with Email Alerts, and a variety of Reports on players play style including regular stats and lifetime results. Each of these tools utilize massive databases of compiled player results that were data-mined from the poker sites, most times illegally.

PokerStars already contacted PokerTableRatings and sent Cease and Desist letters, stating that the company will not back out and they already “assembled a team of lawyers in multiple jurisdictions to follow up.” This is the first time where an official source from PokerStars confirmed they are taking actions against PokerTableRatings.

The words quoted above come from no-one else but Lee Jones himself, poker author, Head of Home Games at PokerStars and one of the most recognizable persons behind the success of PokerStars.

Lee Jones commented: “Obviously some of you are frustrated at how long it’s taken us to act, but the people behind PTR have taken considerable steps to hide their activity and shield themselves from action. But we are on their trail now and will keep at it. We’ll keep you informed as we make progress.”

I wonder what particular law PTR breaks.

On April 17 2012 14:28 Zep wrote:

prefect expression.

I really admire what PTR have done with data, but they are terrible for the games.

On April 17 2012 14:32 Silver_nz wrote: Show nested quote + On April 17 2012 14:28 Zep wrote: prefect expression. I really admire what PTR have done with data, but they are terrible for the games.

did what? caught 5 bots? just lol

yessssssss

Finally...

On April 17 2012 14:32 Silver_nz wrote: Show nested quote + On April 17 2012 14:28 Zep wrote: prefect expression. I really admire what PTR have done with data, but they are terrible for the games.

Ban

PTR semi-destroyed the games online.

Amazing, it was indeed terrible for the game.

and for losing players that charged 200$/hr for coaching

PS is so much more awesome than other poker sites. I don't care they steal my money trough rake

Good news for online poker these days.

I think it's too little too late. How can they pretend like they give a shit after years of ignoring it? Not sure they have much legal grounds either the information they are angry about is freely given to anyone who logs on and observes hands. If they have legal grounds here HEM is next IMO. It's the same principal.

Also I think it's pretty funny that everyone here uses HEM but denounces PTR. How is it fair to the fish that you use fancy tools to keep ever more detailed statistics on their game? Heck it even automatically takes notes for you now.

hurrah. any + is good enough nowadays

I have mad respect for pokerstars

in before Stars launch their own PTR style tracking site for a monthly fee and Baal tells us all about how good it will be for the games.

On April 18 2012 01:26 byrnesam wrote: in before Stars launch their own PTR style tracking site for a monthly fee and Baal tells us all about how good it will be for the games.

epic

byrnesam does it again

this is awesome. hope that shit gets shut down!!

On April 17 2012 19:47 Bejamin1 wrote: I think it's too little too late. How can they pretend like they give a shit after years of ignoring it? Not sure they have much legal grounds either the information they are angry about is freely given to anyone who logs on and observes hands. If they have legal grounds here HEM is next IMO. It's the same principal. Also I think it's pretty funny that everyone here uses HEM but denounces PTR. How is it fair to the fish that you use fancy tools to keep ever more detailed statistics on their game? Heck it even automatically takes notes for you now.

Buying stats from PTR rather than compiling stats from games that you have participated in is very different both legally and morally......

On April 17 2012 19:47 Bejamin1 wrote: I think it's too little too late. How can they pretend like they give a shit after years of ignoring it? Not sure they have much legal grounds either the information they are angry about is freely given to anyone who logs on and observes hands. If they have legal grounds here HEM is next IMO. It's the same principal. Also I think it's pretty funny that everyone here uses HEM but denounces PTR. How is it fair to the fish that you use fancy tools to keep ever more detailed statistics on their game? Heck it even automatically takes notes for you now.

It's not fair I don't think anyone is arguing that. It's a typical example where if everyone would do what they believe in there would not be an issue. However because you can be damn sure your opponents are using it you pretty much have to do it yourself as well, if you don't want to put yourself at a (large) disadvantage. That's why laws and such exist because humans tend to put their own benefits above what they believe in. In this case believing PTR is wrong only plays a small part in a persons life, but the ability to make money from poker is what makes or breaks it. The two opinions are not nearly around the same scale of importance for people.

On April 18 2012 04:35 4kinggenius wrote: Show nested quote + On April 17 2012 19:47 Bejamin1 wrote: I think it's too little too late. How can they pretend like they give a shit after years of ignoring it? Not sure they have much legal grounds either the information they are angry about is freely given to anyone who logs on and observes hands. If they have legal grounds here HEM is next IMO. It's the same principal. Also I think it's pretty funny that everyone here uses HEM but denounces PTR. How is it fair to the fish that you use fancy tools to keep ever more detailed statistics on their game? Heck it even automatically takes notes for you now. Buying stats from PTR rather than compiling stats from games that you have participated in is very different both legally and morally......

This adds another dynamic to the argument as well.