Flutter and Aviator LLC Reach Commercial Agreement, Settle Trademark Dispute
Flutter has reached a settlement in an ongoing trademark and copyright dispute with Aviator LLC, a Georgian company that previously sued the gambling giant over alleged infringement related to the popular Aviator crash game. The original compensation claim amounted to €330 million (£275.9 million / $342.5 million).
Background of the Case
Aviator LLC filed a lawsuit against Flutter and game developer Spribe in August 2023 at the Tbilisi City Court in Georgia. The company alleged that Spribe’s Aviator game infringed on its trademark and sought damages. Aviator LLC is linked to the former owner of Adjarabet, a Georgian gambling company acquired by Flutter in 2019.
In September, Spribe defended its position, asserting that it was the legitimate owner of the Aviator game, with global trademark and copyright protection.
“Spribe is the creator and proud owner of the Aviator game worldwide, with copyright and trademark protections across multiple jurisdictions. Aviator is certified in over 40 markets and has more than 35 million monthly players on over 4,500 platforms,” the company stated.
Despite Flutter and Spribe rejecting the claims, the court ruled in favour of Aviator LLC, ordering Flutter to pay €330 million—the exact amount it paid to acquire Adjarabet in 2019. Flutter subsequently announced its intention to appeal the ruling.
Long-Term Commercial Agreement
After months without updates, Aviator LLC’s legal representative, Nikoloz Gogilidze, announced on 30 January that the parties had reached a commercial agreement for the supply of Aviator-branded games to Flutter.
“As part of the agreement, both parties have agreed to end the ongoing legal dispute,” Gogilidze stated.
He further confirmed that Flutter and its subsidiaries recognise Aviator LLC’s rights to the Aviator trademark and associated aircraft imagery, with all legal proceedings between the parties being withdrawn.
“The parties have entered into a long-term partnership, integrating Aviator LLC’s games or those of its affiliates into Flutter’s global platforms,” he added.
While the specific terms of the agreement remain confidential, Gogilidze clarified that the settlement only applies to the dispute between Flutter and Aviator LLC. Legal proceedings against Spribe are ongoing in multiple jurisdictions.
Spribe continues to face legal action over its use of aircraft imagery in the Aviator game. However, in January 2024, the company withdrew the game from the Georgian market, stating that the region did not represent a significant revenue source.
“We will soon provide an update on the status of the legal process,” Gogilidze concluded.