Inside Asian Gaming (IAG) forwarded an official notice of cease-and-desist to Andy MacDonald, the former Chief Casino Officer of Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa, for his use of their well-recognized “MAD” and “After Dark” brands without proper permission. The case follows an announcement from Andy MacDonald that he had promoted an event called “Magiq After Dark” (MAD) set to take place on December 17, 2024, in Singapore.
Things began on November 5 when Mr. MacDonald approached IAG, asking it to assist in staging the event. In initial talks, Mr. MacDonald allegedly said “he stole” the MAD brand. On November 13, IAG refused his request, saying that it could not assist. Nonetheless, Mr. MacDonald went ahead and posted on social media his event on November 18, prominently using the “MAD” branding in text form and video.
Inside Asian Gaming was quick to act with a cease-and-desist letter the same day, mandating Mr. MacDonald remove the offending content within 48 hours. To date, on November 20, Mr. MacDonald has not acted in compliance. Instead, he has posted new promotional materials using IAG’s branding.
Since 2017, Inside Asian Gaming has pumped a lot of resources into building the “MAD” and “After Dark” brands, successfully staging 25 events across Asia- Asia, including in Manila, Macau, and Clark. With further plans to expand in Asia-Pacific cities, Inside Asian Gaming sees the protection of intellectual property as a matter of business integrity.
Although IAG wishes Mr. MacDonald all the best in his new venture, it rigorously condemns the unauthorized use of the brand “MAD”. The company has maintained its stand for a long and vocally taken cognizance of protecting one’s own IP while being liberal in accepting the IP of others.
It feels like IAG has explicitly pointed out the fact that it is not connected with Mr. MacDonald, his proposed event, or any related parties and that it is firm in IP protection and good business conduct.
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