Flutter Entertainment settles legal dispute with Aviator

David Gravel January 31, 2025
Flutter Entertainment settles legal dispute with Aviator

Flutter Entertainment, the parent company of major online betting platforms like FanDuel, Paddy Power, Sky Betting and Gaming, Betfair and Adjarabet, has reached a settlement in its legal dispute with Aviator LLC.

The dispute centred around allegations that Aviator had infringed on Flutter’s intellectual property. Both companies are satisfied with the outcome and have reached an agreement that will result in a long-term commercial partnership. The collaboration will see Aviator-based online games marketed and distributed globally by Flutter.

This settlement brings legal challenges between the two firms to an end. The lawsuit centred around the use of the “Aviator” name and logo. Claims that Flutter and its associated brands, including Adjarabet, infringed on Aviator’s trademarks by using its name and logo without permission.

Aviator first filed this case against Spribe, a Flutter-owned company, and its partner Adjarabet, who, it was claimed, registered the “Aviator” trademark in bad faith. This dispute hit a critical point when the Court of First Instance in Georgia ruled in Aviator’s favour. As reported in a SiGMA News article, the court found that Spribe violated Aviator’s copyright and trademark rights. This case resulted in the trademark registrations that Spribe filed being invalid.

As a result, Aviator was awarded $330 million (€316.8 million), and Adjarabet was ordered to cease using the “Aviator” name for its flagship game. Following this ruling, the industry expected Flutter to appeal. However, the latest developments suggest that both parties have now moved forward with a solution that suits everyone.

This new commercial partnership now marks the end of this legal battle and allows both companies to focus on future growth rather than prolonged litigation.

A focus on global distribution

The agreement allows Flutter to market and distribute Aviator-based games internationally. This partnership is a win-win for both sides. Now, Aviator’s intellectual property will be better protected, and Flutter has new, exclusive gaming content to roll out to its enormous customer base.

By moving past these legal hurdles, Flutter can expand the reach of its existing portfolio of games. Including Aviator’s popular crash game positions Flutter to tap into new markets while strengthening its own presence and brand identity.

This new collaboration and subsequent outcome is a positive step for Flutter. But, other legal issues loom. Last week, a UK High Court ruling found that Flutter-owned Sky Bet unlawfully used personal data for profiling and targeted marketing. This ruling is a blow to Flutter’s reputation and reminds the big gaming giants about the regulatory challenges they face. Data protection, responsible gaming, and privacy laws remain vital obligations for the sector in 2025.

Despite this setback, Flutter is optimistic. While recently announcing it slashed its 2024 U.S. revenue projections because of a hot run of wins for favourite NFL teams during the late season, the UK and U.S. markets look set to add a silver lining to any looming cloud. Flutter is also strengthening its international operations. The U.S. market is key, and Flutter predicts its core profit will double by 2027, with the U.S. accounting for almost half.

The resolution of the Aviator dispute provides Flutter with opportunities to redirect attention to core markets with one less distraction.

Flutter and Aviator’s future flight

Resolving the dispute between them is an important step. With a new commercial partnership in place, Flutter is well-positioned to market Aviator games on a global scale. But, hats off to Aviator for pursuing legal action against one of the industry giants. Protecting intellectual property is critical brand protection in a very competitive sector.

In a move set to redefine the iGaming landscape, Pragmatic Play, a top content provider in the iGaming industry, recently partnered with Flutter to revolutionise the live casino experience. FanDuel set new records at the 2024 Super Bowl, and Flutter also welcomed MaxBet and set its sights on integrating Snaitech and NSX Group in 2025.

In a further generous move to enhance its corporate social responsibility, Flutter, along with its subsidiary FanDuel, donated $250,000 (€240,000) to support wildfire relief efforts in Los Angeles. They channeled the funds to Americares and the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation to address urgent health needs and support first responders.

As the gambling industry takes shape in 2025, further regulatory and legal challenges look set to present themselves in all jurisdictions. However, now the dispute is behind them, both Aviator and Flutter can expand their brand presence on the global stage.

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