LLC Aviator Successfully Claims Victory in Significant Trademark Controversy
In a landmark decision for intellectual property rights in the gaming industry, the Supreme Court of Georgia has upheld Aviator LLC's exclusive ownership of the "Aviator" trademark name and airplane logo. The ruling, handed down on May 20, 2025, dismissed an appeal by rival developer SPRIBE, thereby invalidating SPRIBE's trademark registrations in Georgia, which were found to have been made in bad faith and in infringement of Aviator LLC's original copyright.
The legal dispute between the two companies dates back to 2021 when SPRIBE registered its own Aviator-related trademarks for gambling and gaming services. This ruling marks a significant milestone in a long-running international battle over intellectual property rights related to one of the most popular crash-style games on the market.
The court decision not only reaffirms Aviator LLC as the legitimate owner of the Aviator name and its iconic airplane logo, but also strengthens its position in numerous pending cases worldwide. The company is currently engaged in a trademark invalidation action against SPRIBE at the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), and legal experts believe that this court decision could set a precedent across the EU, especially since Georgia is the country of origin for the Aviator IP.
Created by Aviator LLC, the "Aviator" game challenges players to place bets before a virtual airplane takes off. As the plane ascends, so do the potential winnings, but the aircraft can depart at any moment, cutting off profits for those who don't cash out in time. The simple yet engaging mechanics of the game have made it a core feature on online gaming platforms worldwide.
This legal victory follows a settlement between Aviator LLC and gambling giant Flutter Entertainment in a similar trademark infringement lawsuit in February 2025. In the settlement, Flutter acknowledged Aviator LLC's rights to the name and logo, and the game developer allowed the operator to continue offering the game in compliance with those rights. As Aviator LLC expands globally, the ruling from Georgia's highest court is a significant step in asserting control over its brand and addressing growing concerns in the digital gambling sector about brand protection, originality, and market integrity.
In the realm of finance and business, the significance of this court ruling for Aviator LLC cannot be overstated, as it bolsters their position in cross-border intellectual property disputes, particularly in the gaming industry. Furthermore, the decision's potential impact on technology sectors, such as the digital gambling sector, could encourage stricter adherence to trademark laws and improved brand protection mechanisms.