Aviator LLC Secures $330M Victory in Trademark Case

Aviator LLC Wins Landmark $330M Trademark and Copyright Battle Against Spribe

In a monumental legal victory, Aviator LLC has successfully secured a $330 million judgment against Spribe OÜ and Flutter-owned Adjarabet for trademark and copyright infringement. This case, centered around the popular ‘Aviator’ crash game, underscores the importance of protecting intellectual property rights in the highly competitive gaming industry. Discover how Aviator LLC triumphed in this landmark case and what it means for the future of intellectual property enforcement in online gaming.

The Case Against Spribe and Adjarabet

Aviator LLC’s legal battle began when it filed a lawsuit against Spribe OÜ and Adjarabet—one of the largest online casinos in Georgia—over the unauthorized use of its trademarked name and logo in the highly popular ‘Aviator’ crash game. The game, which has become one of the most recognized titles in the crash gaming genre, was marketed under the Aviator name, despite the existence of Aviator LLC’s prior trademark.

In the 2021-22 period, Spribe registered the ‘Aviator’ trademark for use in computer games and gambling services. However, Aviator LLC argued that these registrations were done in bad faith, claiming that Spribe was fully aware of the pre-existing Aviator brand and its associated trademark and copyright protections.

This lawsuit brought two major claims to the forefront. First, Aviator LLC alleged that Spribe’s trademark registrations were invalid because they were done with full knowledge of the existing Aviator brand. Second, it argued that these registrations infringed on Aviator LLC’s copyright, leading to significant financial and reputational damages.

Court Ruling: A Major Win for Aviator LLC

On August 20, the Court of First Instance in Georgia ruled decisively in favor of Aviator LLC. The court found that Spribe had indeed committed trademark and copyright infringement by using the Aviator name and logo without proper authorization. This ruling not only invalidated Spribe’s trademark registrations but also resulted in a massive $330 million damages award to Aviator LLC.

Furthermore, the court issued an injunction against Adjarabet, requiring the online casino to cease the use of the ‘Aviator’ title for its flagship game. This decision marks a significant precedent in the enforcement of intellectual property rights within the online gaming sector, particularly in cases where well-established brands face infringement by newer entrants seeking to capitalize on their success.

Nikoloz Gogilidze, Managing Partner at Mikadze Gegetchkori Taktakishvili LLC, the law firm representing Aviator LLC, expressed satisfaction with the ruling. “We are pleased with the outcome of the court’s ruling on this claim and we will continue to aggressively protect our client’s intellectual property from unlicensed use on any international gaming platforms,” said Gogilidze. His statement reflects the broader implications of this case for the industry, highlighting the importance of vigilance and legal action in protecting valuable brand assets.

Implications for the Gaming Industry

This landmark ruling sends a powerful message to the gaming industry: intellectual property rights must be respected, and infringement will result in significant legal and financial consequences. The $330 million judgment against Spribe and Adjarabet not only compensates Aviator LLC for the damages incurred but also serves as a deterrent to other entities that might consider infringing on established trademarks and copyrights.

The case also highlights the importance of thorough due diligence when registering trademarks and launching new products in the highly competitive gaming market. Companies must ensure that their brands and products do not infringe on existing intellectual property, or they risk facing similar legal challenges.

For Aviator LLC, this victory is not just about financial compensation; it reinforces the company’s standing in the market as the rightful owner of the Aviator brand. It also sets a precedent that could lead to stricter enforcement of intellectual property rights across the gaming industry, potentially reshaping how new games and brands are developed and marketed.

The $330 million victory for Aviator LLC in its trademark and copyright battle against Spribe OÜ and Adjarabet is a landmark case in the gaming industry. This ruling not only vindicates Aviator LLC’s rights but also sets a strong precedent for the protection of intellectual property in the digital age. As the gaming market continues to evolve, this case serves as a critical reminder of the importance of respecting intellectual property laws and the potentially devastating consequences of infringement.