Flutter to challenge $330 million ruling in Georgia Court

Lea Hogg August 30, 2024

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Flutter to challenge $330 million ruling in Georgia Court

Flutter Entertainment has announced its intention to appeal a $330 million ruling issued by a Georgian court. The legal case was initiated by a former shareholder of Adjarabet, a Georgian subsidiary of Flutter, over trademark and copyright claims related to the “Aviator” online game. Aviator LLC, representing the former shareholder, stated that the court’s decision last week granted them the substantial monetary award as compensation for alleged infringements.

The lawsuit centres on the “Aviator” game, which was developed by Spribe and generated approximately $7.5 million in revenue in Georgia last year. The court’s ruling came as a surprise to Flutter, which expressed strong disagreement with both the grounds for the judgment and the amount of damages awarded. The company argued that the financial penalty was vastly disproportionate to the economic value of the disputed intellectual property.

In a statement, Flutter described the claims as meritless and stated that the damages awarded were “egregious in nature” and bore no relation to the actual financial impact of the game. The company emphasised its commitment to challenging the ruling and indicated its confidence in overturning the decision upon appeal.

Neither Flutter nor Aviator LLC disclosed the specific allocation of the $330 million damages between Flutter and Spribe. However, the case highlights the ongoing challenges multinational companies can face when dealing with complex legal environments in various jurisdictions.

Georgia, a test for Flutter’s global expansion

Flutter Entertainment has a significant global presence, operating in more than 20 countries under well-known brands such as FanDuel, Betfair, and Paddy Power. The company initially acquired a 51 percent stake in Adjarabet in 2019, before purchasing the remaining 49 percent in 2022, fully integrating the Georgian entity into its portfolio.

This ruling in Georgia marks a significant legal hurdle for Flutter, which has otherwise seen rapid expansion and success in the online gambling and entertainment industry. The company’s decision to appeal reflects its determination to protect its interests and mitigate the potential financial impact of this unexpected judgment.

The outcome of the appeal could have significant implications, not only for Flutter and Spribe but also for the broader gaming industry, particularly in terms of how intellectual property rights are enforced in emerging markets like Georgia.