Aviator LLC Hits Back at Spribe After UK High Court Grants Interim Injunction in IP Dispute
London – August 10, 2025 — In a rapidly evolving intellectual property battle within the iGaming sector, Aviator LLC has publicly responded after the UK High Court granted an interim injunction in favor of rival developer Spribe OU, effectively preventing Aviator LLC from launching its own “Aviator”-branded crash game in the United Kingdom ahead of a full trial. However, Aviator insists the ruling carries no real commercial impact—arguing precisely because it had no plans to enter the UK market yet.
1. Background: Georgian IP Battle Sparks Global Dispute
The origins of this high-stakes legal confrontation lie in Georgia, where Aviator LLC secured a series of favorable rulings. In 2024, Georgia’s Court of First Instance awarded Aviator LLC an eye‑watering €330 million in damages and invalidated Spribe’s trademark registrations—rulings which were later upheld by Georgia’s Supreme Court, confirming findings of copyright infringement and bad faith trademark registration
These proceedings pertained to the Aviator crash game, a fast‑rising product in the iGaming world. Following the Georgian victory, Aviator LLC launched legal actions in additional jurisdictions—including the United Kingdom, where they initiated proceedings in late 2024 iGB. Spribe responded by filing a counterclaim in April 2025, prompting the UK legal showdown.
2. UK High Court Ruling: Interim Injunction Details
On July 31, 2025, UK High Court Judge Anthony Mann granted a preliminary (interim) injunction in favor of Spribe, halting Aviator LLC from launching its crash game—characterized by many as a “copycat”—before the full trial scheduled in late 2026 or early 2027 Yahoo Finance.
This injunction prevents marketing, launching, or promotion of the game in the UK market during the legal process. It’s important to note that this is not a final judgment on the merits, but a temporary measure meant to preserve the status quo
3. Spribe’s Position: Protecting Its “Original” Aviator Game
Spribe framed the ruling as a significant validation, with founder David Natroshvili declaring:
“Spribe created the Aviator crash game in 2018 and is the sole owner of the game globally.” He added, “We will continue to take all necessary steps globally to protect Spribe, our partners and players.” iGaming Express
Describing Aviator LLC’s game as a “copycat” attempt, Spribe argued that cultural and financial damage would result if the similar game launched in the UK without resolution.
4. Aviator LLC Fires Back: No UK Launch, No Licensing, No Big Deal
Aviator LLC swiftly pushed back against Spribe’s messaging. Legal counsel Nikoloz Gogilidze stated the interim ruling “holds the ring,” but imposes no practical constraints—as Aviator LLC had no plans to enter the UK market in the short term Yahoo Finance.
Key points raised by Aviator LLC:
- No Gambling Commission license has been applied for; the licensing process typically takes about a year, making a near-term UK launch unlikely iGBbusinesswire.com.
- The injunction does not prohibit license application, merely blocking launch/marketing before trial newsnet5.com.
- Aviator’s legal counsel called Spribe’s public narrative misleading, likening it to repositioning an interim procedural safeguard as a decisive legal win.
5. Interim Injunction Mechanics: Undertaking & Rejected Orders
In UK civil practice, a plaintiff seeking an interim injunction must typically provide an undertaking in damages—promising to compensate the defendant if the order is later found unwarranted. Spribe fulfilled this requirement, meaning Aviator LLC would be compensated if it ultimately prevails at trial.
Spribe had also sought broader restrictions—including gag provisions barring Aviator LLC from stating its own IP claims or criticizing Spribe. The court rejected five of eight such reliefs, recognizing them as unfounded or unnecessary .
6. Looking Ahead: Trial, Commercial Impact & Industry Implications
Trial Timing & Process
Both parties anticipate a full trial in late 2026 or early 2027, which could span several weeks.
Commercial Reality
Given Aviator LLC’s lack of license application and no immediate UK plans, the injunction remains largely symbolic. If Aviator succeeds, Spribe must compensate accordingly—while if it’s lost, Aviator will have to hold off entering the UK market legally.
Wider iGaming Impact
This case underscores the complexity of IP rights within global iGaming. Developers operating across multiple jurisdictions—like Spribe and Aviator LLC—are increasingly embroiled in litigation over branding and game mechanics. The UK ruling may serve as a precedent for future cross-border disputes in one of Europe’s most regulated markets
7. Conclusion & Key Takeaways
- Interim, Not Final: The UK High Court’s injunction is procedural, not a judgment on IP ownership.
- Limited Reach: Aviator LLC had no immediate UK launch plans and has not applied for licensing—rendering the injunction commercially moot, at least for now.
- Ongoing Global Legal Battle: With multiple courts involved—Georgia, UK, possibly others—the outcome remains uncertain and emblematic of broader IP conflicts in the digital gaming sphere.
- Watch This Space: The full trial in late 2026/early 2027 is where the stakes will be decided and the legal narrative will be clarified for the industry.