Spribe Secures Injunction in the EU for Aviator Rights
The Maltese court grants Spribe OÜ a provisional order protecting the Aviator brand, including logos and audiovisual elements, against Aviator Studios in all territories of the European Union.
Key Takeaways
- Spribe OÜ obtained a provisional injunction in Malta to protect the Aviator brand.
- The measure requires Aviator Studios to cease using signs similar to Aviator across the EU.
- The protection encompasses logos, airplane icons, and audiovisual elements related to Aviator.
- Spribe is pursuing legal and administrative actions in various jurisdictions, including an upcoming hearing in the UK.
- The decision impacts brand management and intellectual property rights in the European iGaming sector.
Spribe OÜ has obtained a provisional order from the First Hall of the Civil Court of Malta to protect its intellectual property regarding Aviator across the European Union. This ex parte measure obliges Aviator Studios to cease using identical or similar signs related to the Aviator brand, covering the logo, airplane icon, and audiovisual elements, according to Spribe.
Injunction and Scope in the European Union
The order issued by the Maltese court provides immediate coverage for Spribe's registered trademark rights in the EU. This ruling prohibits Aviator Studios from employing brands or visual elements that may be confused with Aviator, both on the website www.aviator.studio and any other site displaying equivalent images or signs. Spribe stated that these trademark rights correspond to European Union registrations filed in 2022 and 2023, under numbers 018817594 and 018825078.
The process is grounded in the Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights Act of Malta and responds to what Spribe describes as a continuation of infringements by Aviator Studios in the European market. The company alleges that Aviator Studios has marketed and promoted a "copy" of the Aviator game, generating confusion among players, operators, and business partners.
Legal Foundations and Scope
According to the lawsuit filed by Spribe, the measure seeks to stop the use of elements that harm the identity and positioning of Aviator within the European iGaming sector. The court order requires companies linked to Aviator Studios to immediately remove all infringing content, both on their sites and on third parties.
David Natroshvili, founder of Spribe, commented:
“We appreciate that the Honorable Court of Malta has granted a precautionary measure in the EU against the ongoing infringement of our intellectual property rights. In addition to the positive outcome in Curacao and the registration of our logo in Kenya, this further strengthens our defense. We expect the favorable trend to continue in the upcoming hearing in October in the UK.”
The company emphasizes that it will continue to employ all legal resources to safeguard the integrity of Aviator, which has a player base both in Europe and globally.
Legal Actions and Trademark Opposition in Various Jurisdictions
Spribe confirmed that it has initiated trademark opposition and cancellation proceedings and lawsuits in different jurisdictions. In the UK, it has already obtained a provisional injunction from the High Court of England and Wales and looks forward to advancing in a scheduled hearing in October, where a request for a preliminary multiterritorial order will be discussed.
On the other hand, the company highlighted its recent success in obtaining the cancellation of trademarks from alleged infringers in Curacao and registering the Aviator logo in Kenya.
International Defense Strategy
With a focus on protecting intellectual property, Spribe applies a comprehensive strategy that combines:
- Legal actions in national courts of the EU and the UK
- Requests for precautionary orders and administrative oppositions before intellectual property offices
- Collaboration with regulatory authorities and monitoring of unauthorized use of digital assets
Spribe anticipates prolonging these legal actions as long as threats against the exclusivity of the Aviator game persist. The company expects new developments in October, especially before British courts.
Implications for the Sector and Operators in the EU
The injunction adds a relevant precedent in disputes regarding rights over games with innovative mechanics and multiplayer betting in the European casino arena. Operators and providers need to review the parameters for the use of visual elements and registered trademarks in their catalogs to prevent potential legal conflicts in the distribution of similar titles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the injunction obtained by Spribe regarding Aviator imply?
The order issued in Malta prohibits Aviator Studios from using identical or similar signs or visual elements related to the Aviator game across the European Union, including associated websites.
Which jurisdictions currently recognize the protection of the Aviator brand?
The provisional protection extends across the EU, with recent proceedings recognized in Curacao, Kenya, and the UK, where additional interim relief has already been obtained.
Why did Spribe pursue legal action in Malta against Aviator Studios?
Spribe argued that Aviator Studios marketed a copy of Aviator, which could mislead players and business partners, prompting them to seek urgent measures under Maltese law.
What additional actions has Spribe taken to defend Aviator?
Spribe has initiated oppositions and cancellations of trademarks in jurisdictions like the UK and Curacao, along with registering the logo in Kenya and filing lawsuits where it perceives infringements.
What are the next steps in the litigation over Aviator in the UK?
In October, the High Court of England and Wales will hold a hearing to review another injunction request filed by Spribe to extend protection over the Aviator brand.
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About the author
Gonzalo Marín
Industry Deals Correspondent
Gonzalo Marín covers the corporate deal flow of gambling — operator strategy, M&A, regulated-market entries, and product launches. The reports open with the transaction, cite companies, valuations, and jurisdictions exactly as released, and keep the announcement apart from its actual effect. When a Latin American operator raises capital or a European brand lands in the region, Gonzalo Marín reports who signs, for how much, and on what terms.
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