TLDR
- Aviator LLC is suing Betway in South Africa for allegedly using protected AVIATOR brand visuals without permission
- The lawsuit followed a failed cease-and-desist attempt that Betway did not resolve
- Aviator holds global copyright on its logo and trademark rights across several African jurisdictions
- The company is seeking an injunction, damages, and recovery of profits from Betway
- Aviator previously settled a similar trademark dispute with Flutter Entertainment in 2025, resulting in a global partnership
Aviator LLC Takes Betway to Court Over Alleged Brand Misuse
Aviator LLC has filed a lawsuit against Betway in South Africa. The company claims Betway used protected visual elements tied to the AVIATOR brand without getting permission first.
The legal action comes after Aviator sent a cease-and-desist notice to Betway. According to Aviator, Betway’s response did not resolve the issue.
Aviator says it owns global copyright in its logo. The company also holds trademark rights in several African countries.
The brand has been expanding across African markets. Aviator says protecting its intellectual property is critical to maintaining consumer trust and brand integrity.
CEO George Pruidze said the company did not want to take the matter to court. He explained that the goal was always to handle things professionally.
“From the outset, our priority has been to resolve matters professionally and constructively,” Pruidze said. He added that Betway’s response left them with no other option.
Aviator is now seeking an injunction to stop Betway from using its assets. The company is also pursuing damages and recovery of profits.
Aviator Has a Track Record of Defending Its Intellectual Property
This is not the first time Aviator LLC has gone to court over brand disputes. The company was involved in a major trademark case just last year.
In August 2024, Aviator filed a lawsuit in Georgia against Flutter Entertainment and its subsidiary Spribe. The case centered on claims that Spribe’s Aviator crash game copied Aviator LLC’s logo and branding.
Aviator sought damages in that case as well. The company argued its intellectual property had been used without permission.
A Georgian court initially ordered Aviator to pay €330 million. That figure matched Flutter’s earlier purchase price for Adjarabet, a local gambling brand once owned by Aviator’s founder.
Flutter called the claims groundless and was prepared to appeal the ruling.
By January 2025, the situation changed. Both sides reached a settlement and announced a long-term partnership instead.
Under the deal, Flutter formally recognized Aviator LLC’s rights to its trademarks and imagery. The agreement also allowed Aviator-branded games to be distributed worldwide through Flutter’s platforms.
Aviator’s attorney, Nikoloz Gogilidze, confirmed the deal would lead to integration of Aviator’s products across Flutter’s network.
The outcome of the Betway case remains to be seen. As of May 2025, the lawsuit is proceeding through the South African courts.
