Aviator LLC Launches Invalidation Action Against Spribe in the EU

Aviator LLC is intensifying its legal battle against Spribe OU, now targeting the European Union to protect its intellectual property. Following a major $330 million victory in Georgia, Aviator LLC has set its sights on European enforcement of its trademark and copyright rights. By challenging Spribe OU’s registrations at the EU level, Aviator LLC aims to safeguard its brand and uphold industry standards. Learn how this high-stakes legal clash could impact the online gambling sector and set new precedents in IP protection.

Aviator LLC Takes Legal Action Against Spribe in the EU to Protect Copyright and Trademark Rights

Aviator LLC has taken its ongoing legal battle with Spribe OU to a new frontier by filing an invalidation action with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO). This latest move seeks to protect the rights of the casino crash game Aviator, which has become a prominent title in the online gambling sector.

The case builds on Aviator LLC’s recent success in a $330 million trademark and copyright claim against Spribe OU and Flutter Entertainment-owned Adjarabet in Georgia. The Court of First Instance in Georgia ruled in favor of Aviator LLC in August, declaring that Spribe OU’s use of the Aviator name and logo violated Aviator LLC’s intellectual property rights. This landmark victory has now paved the way for further legal action within the European Union.

In this new filing before the EUIPO, Aviator LLC contends that Spribe OU has engaged in bad faith by registering challenged trademarks in the EU, thus infringing on Aviator’s copyright. This action is particularly significant because the challenged European Union Trade Marks (EUTM) are registered under classes 09 and 41, which include categories directly related to computer software and online gambling services, such as online casinos.

Nikoloz Gogilidze, Managing Partner at Mikadze Gegetchkori Taktakishvili LLC, the legal firm representing Aviator LLC, commented on the recent action: “The EUIPO action represents the logical continuation of this dispute following the court’s decision in Georgia. Our client is strongly committed to aggressively protecting its IP rights worldwide. Hence, after obtaining the first victory in Georgia where the initial infringement took place, the next step is to challenge Spribe OU trademarks worldwide.”

The Background of the Legal Dispute

The conflict between Aviator LLC and Spribe OU began over the use of the Aviator brand and logo. In the Georgian case, Aviator LLC claimed ownership of the Aviator trademark, asserting that Spribe OU and Adjarabet had unlawfully used its branding, resulting in a significant legal victory for Aviator.

Following this, both Aviator LLC and Spribe OU released further details about the origins of the Aviator brand and their respective rights to its use. Despite the arguments presented by Spribe OU and Flutter Entertainment, the court ruled in favor of Aviator LLC, leading to the $330 million award in August.

Now, with the EUIPO filing, Aviator LLC seeks to extend the protection of its intellectual property rights across the European Union. The case differs from the Georgian proceedings in that it specifically addresses the registration of trademarks under categories related to computer software and gambling services in the EU. This strategic legal move underscores the significance of intellectual property rights in the competitive online gambling industry.

Implications for the Online Gambling Sector

Aviator LLC’s aggressive legal approach has raised critical discussions about intellectual property in the online gambling space. The company’s actions set a precedent for how gaming operators must carefully navigate trademark and copyright issues. By challenging Spribe OU’s trademarks on the grounds of alleged bad faith registration, Aviator LLC is sending a clear message about the importance of protecting brand identity and game originality.

Moreover, this case highlights the complexities of trademark registration in the online gambling industry, particularly within the European Union’s regulatory environment. As more gaming companies seek to expand their offerings across various jurisdictions, they must remain vigilant about intellectual property laws and the potential risks of trademark disputes.

Aviator LLC’s latest action against Spribe OU before the EUIPO marks a significant escalation in its efforts to safeguard its trademark and copyright. By pursuing invalidation in the European Union, Aviator LLC aims to set a strong precedent in the protection of intellectual property within the highly competitive online gambling sector. This case serves as a reminder to gambling operators and developers about the critical importance of IP rights and the potential legal challenges they may face in a global market. As this dispute unfolds, it could reshape how trademarks and copyrights are approached in the gaming industry, both in Europe and beyond.