LLC Aviator's Affiliate SPRIBE Accused of Deceptive Industry Practices
Aviator LLC's UK Market Entry Unaffected by Interim Injunction
A legal dispute between Aviator LLC and Spribe has been unfolding in the UK, revolving around the popular online game, Aviator. In a recent development, Spribe secured an interim injunction against Aviator LLC in the UK, but this temporary court order has minimal impact on Aviator LLC's commercial activities in the UK.
Interim Injunction Details
The interim injunction, granted by the UK High Court, is intended to maintain the existing situation pending a full trial. It does not prevent Aviator LLC or its licensee from applying for a UK gambling license, a process that typically takes about a year. Spribe was required to provide an undertaking to compensate Aviator LLC if the injunction is later found unwarranted, which implies a significant legal risk for Spribe.
However, Spribe sought additional restrictive orders, such as gag orders on the use of the “Aviator” name, but the court rejected these requests.
Commercial Impact on Aviator LLC
Aviator LLC had no plans or active commercial operations to launch in the UK, so the injunction mostly formalizes this pre-existing situation. The UK gambling market requires a license from the UK Gambling Commission, a process that typically takes about a year. Since Aviator has not applied for such a license, and given the expected timescale of the trial, the injunction is unlikely to affect any near-term market entry.
As a result, the interim injunction is described as commercially irrelevant for Aviator LLC at this time, given its absence from the UK market and no immediate plans to enter.
Legal Status of the Injunction
It is essential to note that this interim injunction is not a final judgment on the case merits. The injunction is an interim (temporary) injunction, granted by the UK High Court, intended to maintain the existing situation pending a full trial.
Future Outlook
The ultimate outcome of this legal dispute depends on the full trial ruling, which may confirm or discharge the injunction. If Aviator LLC succeeds on the merits at trial, the interim injunction will likely be discharged, and Spribe's undertaking to compensate Aviator for any resulting damages will take effect.
Spribe has characterised Aviator LLC's claims in Case No. 2/1413-24 as "unfounded and opportunistic," asserting that they were aimed at expropriating the Aviator branding and logo for Georgia alone. However, it is important to emphasise that the interim injunction does not prevent Aviator LLC or its licensee from applying for a gambling license in the United Kingdom.
In conclusion, the interim injunction is a procedural tool protecting Spribe’s rights temporarily, but it does not currently alter Aviator LLC’s commercial stance or activities in the UK market, which remain effectively non-operational. The ultimate outcome depends on the full trial ruling, which may confirm or discharge the injunction.
- Despite the interim injunction, Aviator LLC's commercial activities in the UK business sector, particularly their application for a UK gambling license, remain unaffected.
- Despite the legal dispute with Spribe and the interim injunction, Aviator LLC has no immediate plans to launch in the UK finance market, as they have not yet applied for a UK gambling license.
