On January 30, Aviator LLC announced that it had finally reached a settlement that would allow Flutter to use the Aviator brand
Gaming giant Flutter Entertainment has reached a settlement in its legal battle against Aviator LLC, a Georgia-based business. Aviator, for context, had initiated legal proceedings against both Flutter and Spribe, arguing that the offering of the Aviator crash game has infringed on its trademark.
Aviator Is a Popular Name in Gaming
The Aviator game is currently one of the most popular gaming titles in the world. Boasting a simple yet engaging concept, the game has taken the world by storm, turning what was previously a niche gaming market into a beloved genre.
In Aviator, players follow a plane as it takes off. The higher the plane flies, the higher the bet multiplier gets. Players can cash out at any time. However, they should choose when to do so carefully as once the plane flies away, their bet will be forfeit.
The game’s popularity attracted the attention of Aviator LLC, which insisted that Spribe and Flutter had violated its trademark.
Flutter Rejected an Earlier Ruling
Aviator LLC argued that Spribe had filed “Aviator” trademarks in bad faith despite knowing of Aviator LLC’s prior rights over the name and associated image. In addition, the lawsuit sought to prevent the Flutter-owned Adjarabet brand from using the Aviator name and image.
Aviator LLC sought a staggering EUR 330 million in damages. Interestingly, this figure coincided with the sum Flutter paid for Adjarabet. In August the Court of First Instance in Georgia ruled in favor of Aviator LLC. Adjarabet, on the other hand, was asked to pay damages.
Flutter, however, described the damages as “egregious” and argued that they are disproportionate to the economic impact of the intellectual property. The operator further insisted that the lawsuit was without merit and appealed the decision.
The parties, however, seem to have finally reached an agreement.
A Settlement Has Been Reached
On January 30, Aviator LLC announced that it had finally reached a settlement that would allow Flutter to use the Aviator brand.
iGaming Business discussed the matter with Aviator LLC lawyer Nikoloz Gogilidze who said that both parties had agreed to settle the dispute. Flutter and its subsidiaries, on one hand, recognized Aviator LLC’s right to use the trademark and airplane logo. In return, the company will be able to continue to offer Aviator.
Parties agreed on long-term cooperation which involves the integration of Aviator LLC’s or its affiliates games on Flutter’s platforms globally. I am not authorized to reveal all the details of the settlement as some parts of it are confidential.
Nikoloz Gogilidze
Gogilidze added that the company will soon issue an update on its lawsuit against Spribe.
In other news, Flutter Entertainment is reportedly considering bidding for Italy’s oldest lottery license, which is currently held by IGT. Reports said that the gambling juggernaut may join the fray on its own or as a consortium with other companies desiring a share in Italy’s most lucrative lottery.
