UK Court backs SPRIBE in Aviator copyright dispute

In a significant legal development on 1 August 2025, the UK High Court granted an interim injunction in favor of iGaming company SPRIBE, effectively blocking the Georgian entity Aviator LLC from introducing or promoting a game alleged to be an imitation of SPRIBE’s well-known Aviator crash game within the United Kingdom. The order prohibits Aviator LLC from promoting or releasing its game in the UK under the Aviator name or any similar branding.

This ruling represents a critical step in SPRIBE’s broader international legal strategy to safeguard its intellectual property and brand reputation in the face of what it asserts are persistent and calculated bad faith actions by individuals and entities seeking to exploit its market success.

Background: SPRIBE’s rise and Aviator’s success

In 2018, SPRIBE, a forward-thinking company in the iGaming industry, unveiled its crash-based game Aviator, marking a notable entry into the online gaming market. The game, known for its distinctive “crash” mechanic and social multiplayer format, quickly became a global success and remains one of the most recognizable titles in its category. Since securing a UK gambling license for Aviator in December 2020, SPRIBE has seen considerable success in the UK market, forming partnerships with licensed operators and gaining substantial goodwill among local players and partners.

David Natroshvili, the founder of SPRIBE, commented on the legal development:

“I am pleased that the highly respected UK Court supports our position and has granted an injunction preventing Aviator LLC from launching and promoting its copycat game. SPRIBE created the Aviator crash game in 2018 and is the sole owner of the game globally. We will continue to take all necessary steps globally to protect SPRIBE, our partners and players from any third parties who seek to undermine or infringe our rights.”

The UK injunction: Preventing unauthorised marketing and reputational damage

The injunction, issued by the UK High Court, comes in response to Aviator LLC’s stated intention to release a game under the Aviator name within the UK. The court found that Aviator LLC had not only infringed upon copyright-protected works owned by SPRIBE but had also engaged in promotional communications targeted at SPRIBE’s UK customers, thereby attempting to misappropriate its well-established brand identity.

The court determined that these actions posed a clear and imminent threat of reputational and financial harm to SPRIBE. Accordingly, it granted an interim injunction that prevents Aviator LLC from engaging in any form of promotional activity or game launch within the UK until the matter can be resolved in full legal proceedings.

Court remarks on Aviator LLC’s conduct

The UK Court issued strong criticism of Aviator LLC’s efforts to challenge the injunction. During the hearing, Aviator LLC presented contradictory and evasive evidence, denied previously documented plans to enter the UK market, and failed to disclose key information. The court noted that the company tried to obscure its role by operating through a “shifting network of licensing entities.”

As a result of these actions, the court characterized Aviator LLC’s conduct as “childlike” and “petulant,” severely undermining the credibility of its claims and its defence strategy.

Allegations of bad faith and misleading tactics

SPRIBE has consistently asserted that the actions of Aviator LLC are not isolated incidents but rather part of a wider, deliberate strategy aimed at capitalizing on the reputation and commercial success of its Aviator brand. The individual allegedly behind Aviator LLC is Temur Ugulava, a Georgian national who is also linked to several other entities believed to be part of a coordinated effort, including Aviator Studio Group and AviGroup.

These companies have reportedly contacted SPRIBE’s customers and industry partners directly, falsely asserting ownership over the Aviator intellectual property. According to SPRIBE, these communications are misleading and intentionally deceptive, attempting to create market confusion and undermine SPRIBE’s commercial relationships.

The Georgian legal dispute: A flawed ruling

In 2024, Aviator LLC commenced legal action in Georgia, aiming to obtain exclusive rights over the use of SPRIBE’s Aviator name and logo within the Georgian jurisdiction. The court in Georgia ruled in favor of Aviator LLC, granting it certain localised rights to the Aviator brand. However, SPRIBE has strongly criticised that ruling, pointing out the unusually rapid progression of the case, procedural irregularities, and broader concerns around judicial independence in Georgia.

Crucially, the Georgian ruling only pertains to specific trademark elements within Georgia and does not impact SPRIBE’s global ownership of the Aviator game, nor its intellectual property rights in other jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom and the European Union, where its trademarks remain valid and protected.

SPRIBE has stated that it firmly rejects the claims made by Aviator LLC in Georgia and has vowed to continue challenging them through all appropriate legal avenues.

Global implications and SPRIBE’s response

Following the Georgian decision, Aviator LLC and its affiliates have sought to leverage that ruling to justify their actions in other jurisdictions, including the UK. SPRIBE has described these attempts as “spurious” and without legal merit, emphasizing that they will be “vigorously defended.”

SPRIBE has made clear its intention to pursue all necessary legal remedies, not only to block unauthorised use of its intellectual property but also to protect its partners, players, and reputation from misleading and potentially damaging third-party conduct.

SPRIBE’s message to partners and players

Following the UK court's injunction and the wider ongoing dispute, SPRIBE has reaffirmed to its clients and industry partners that it retains exclusive global ownership of the Aviator game and all related branding. The company reiterated that it will continue to protect its rights in all jurisdictions, taking legal action when necessary to prevent infringement.

SPRIBE also urged partners to exercise caution and to verify any communications purporting to come from entities claiming rights to Aviator that are not part of SPRIBE’s official network. According to the company, any such claims should be treated as unauthorised and potentially fraudulent.

Broader concerns: IP enforcement in the iGaming industry

The SPRIBE vs Aviator LLC dispute highlights wider issues around intellectual property enforcement in the global iGaming sector, where digital content is easily replicable and jurisdictional protections often vary significantly. The case underscores the need for strong legal frameworks and cooperation between jurisdictions to prevent the proliferation of copycat games that undermine innovation and commercial integrity.

SPRIBE’s victory in the UK could serve as a precedent for other rights holders in the sector who may face similar challenges from opportunistic third parties.

Outlook and legal trajectory

While the UK injunction is a significant legal win for SPRIBE, the broader dispute remains unresolved. Future legal proceedings, both in the UK and potentially in other jurisdictions, are expected as SPRIBE continues its legal campaign to protect its intellectual property and business interests.

The outcome of these disputes may well set a benchmark for how courts in other regions interpret and enforce international IP rights, particularly in the fast-evolving and often complex domain of online gaming.

Conclusion

The UK High Court’s decision to grant SPRIBE an interim injunction against Aviator LLC marks a significant legal milestone in the protection of intellectual property within the iGaming sector. It underscores the strength of SPRIBE’s claim as the original and rightful owner of the Aviator game and highlights the risks companies face when attempting to misappropriate established brands and creative works.

While the case is far from over, the UK court's ruling sends a clear message that attempts to exploit the commercial success of innovative products through misleading branding or unauthorised imitations will not be tolerated in jurisdictions with strong legal protections. SPRIBE's continued legal vigilance, both in the UK and internationally, reflects not only its commitment to its own brand but also sets a precedent for other developers striving to protect their creations in an increasingly competitive and often legally complex market.

As the broader legal battle unfolds, the case will likely serve as a reference point for future disputes involving digital gaming IP, reinforcing the critical role of legal systems in maintaining fairness and innovation in the global iGaming industry.

FAQs

What is SPRIBE's Aviator game?
Aviator is a crash-style multiplayer game developed by SPRIBE in 2018, known for its interactive gameplay and social features, and widely popular in the iGaming sector.

Why did SPRIBE go to court in the UK?
SPRIBE sought legal protection to stop Aviator LLC from launching a copycat version of its Aviator game in the UK, claiming intellectual property infringement.

What was the outcome of the UK court case?
The UK High Court granted an interim injunction preventing Aviator LLC from promoting or launching its game in the UK.

Who is Aviator LLC?
Aviator LLC is a Georgian company allegedly connected to businessman Temur Ugulava, which attempted to market a game using the Aviator name.

What did the UK court say about Aviator LLC’s conduct?
The court criticised Aviator LLC for contradictory evidence and evasive tactics, describing its conduct as “childlike” and “petulant.”

Does the Georgian court ruling affect SPRIBE globally?
No, the Georgian ruling only applies to a specific trademark issue within Georgia. SPRIBE’s global IP rights remain valid elsewhere.

What is SPRIBE doing to protect its brand?
SPRIBE is actively pursuing legal action worldwide to protect its intellectual property and has warned against unauthorised use of its Aviator branding.

Are customers affected by this dispute?
Customers may receive misleading claims from third parties. SPRIBE advises its partners to verify any such communications as they may be fraudulent.

What jurisdictions protect SPRIBE’s trademarks?
SPRIBE’s trademarks are valid and enforceable in the UK, EU, and other international markets outside of Georgia.

What is the significance of this case for the iGaming industry?
The case highlights the importance of IP protection and legal enforcement in online gaming, where brand replication poses serious commercial risks.