Aviator LLC Faces Legal Headwinds as Spribe Secures an Interim Injunction
Aviator LLC is currently embroiled in a legal standoff with Spribe, the original creator of crash games, following a recent UK High Court ruling. The court has issued a temporary injunction halting Aviator LLC from releasing a rival product as the legal battle over intellectual property rights unfolds, with a trial anticipated to start in late 2026 or early 2027.
The origins of this dispute lie in Georgia, the home territory of both companies. However, it has now spilled over to the UK, where Aviator LLC initiated legal proceedings in late 2024. Spribe, not one to back down, filed a counterclaim in April, which ultimately led to Judge Anthony Mann’s decision on July 31 to block any competing entries from Aviator LLC in the UK market.
Spribe’s founder, David Natroshvili, expressed confidence in the court’s ruling, asserting that it validates the company’s claim over the Aviator brand. He stated, “Spribe launched the Aviator crash game in 2018 and is the undisputed global owner.” Natroshvili reaffirmed their commitment to combating any infringement that could jeopardize their brand and customer trust.
The court’s decision grants Spribe a reprieve from potential competition in the UK while the legal proceedings are set in motion. Sources indicate that the trial could extend over several weeks, starting either late next year or early in 2027.
Aviator LLC, in its defense, is leaning on the argument that Spribe was obliged to assure potential compensation should the injunction be proved unnecessary. This is not an unusual practice under UK civil law, aimed at ensuring fair treatment before the complete arguments are presented in court.
Aviator LLC’s Position on Game Launch Plans
In the wake of the injunction, Aviator LLC has claimed that it never intended to launch a competing crash game in the UK. Their narrative emphasizes the fact that the discussions around a “copycat” game have arisen from Spribe’s promotional activities, which Aviator contends are misleadingly directed at Spribe’s UK clientele.
Spribe maintains that any imitative game developed by Aviator LLC infringes upon its copyright and undermines the brand equity it has built around the Aviator name. Their assertion was that the interim injunction was crucial to avert any potential damage, both reputational and financial, stemming from Aviator’s actions.
On the flipside, Aviator LLC insists that their license process will not be concluded before the trial, given that their Maltese subsidiary has yet to apply for a Gambling Commission license. They argued that the judiciary acknowledged the expected duration of the licensing process, which takes about a year, affirming that any potential competition was not imminent.
Legal Developments and Further Insights
Aviator LLC’s official statements have also noted that various aspects of Spribe’s claims were dismissed by Judge Mann. These included attempts to prevent Aviator LLC from promoting its products or asserting ownership over its brand. According to their perspective, the interim injunction sufficiently safeguarded Spribe’s interests without warranting the extensive restrictions desired.
Meanwhile, the broader context of this dispute began in Georgia, where issues over intellectual property have already drawn considerable attention. A Georgian court previously ruled in favor of Aviator LLC, awarding substantial damages related to its gaming operations. However, sources suggest that this judgment may not apply universally, as agreements pertaining to market exclusivity were limited to specific territories.
Both Aviator LLC and Spribe’s legal representatives continue to prepare as this complicated case unfolds, with a full written decision from Judge Mann expected imminently.
As the situation evolves, the implications for both companies remain significant, promising a notable chapter in the competitive landscape of the gaming industry.