UK Court Backs Spribe in Aviator Copyright Fight

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-05-27

A legal battle over who owns the rights to the popular Aviator crash game just got more interesting. A UK High Court ruling has given Spribe a key procedural win in its ongoing fight with Aviator LLC. Deputy Judge Michael Tappin KC decided on May 22 that foreign law will apply to some parts of the copyright case, not English law. This choice changes how earlier rulings from Georgian courts might affect the bigger picture, especially since the claims go beyond simple copyright issues. ### What This Ruling Means This decision is a big deal for both sides. When a court says foreign law applies, it can shift the whole strategy of a case. For Spribe, it means they can use earlier wins in Georgia to strengthen their position. For Aviator LLC, it creates a hurdle they didn't expect. The judge basically said that some claims are so tied to events outside the UK that local law doesn't fit. Here's what this affects: - **Jurisdiction**: The court recognized that Georgia has a say in this dispute. - **Precedent**: Earlier Georgian court decisions now carry more weight. - **Strategy**: Both companies will need to rethink their legal approaches.  ### The Backstory of the Dispute The fight started over the Aviator game, a crash game where players bet on a rising multiplier that can crash at any moment. Spribe created and launched the game, but Aviator LLC claims they own the rights. The conflict has dragged through courts in multiple countries, with each side winning some rounds. This UK ruling is just the latest twist in a saga that's far from over. ### Why This Matters for the Gaming Industry This case isn't just about one game. It sets a precedent for how copyright disputes play out across borders. The gaming world is global, and companies often face legal battles in different countries. When courts decide to use foreign law, it can make things messy but also fairer. It forces everyone to respect how other countries handle intellectual property. For professionals in the casino and gaming space, this is a reminder to watch legal trends. A win for Spribe could encourage other developers to fight for their rights. On the flip side, it might make companies think twice before launching games in markets with unclear laws. ### What Comes Next The case is still moving forward, and a final decision could take months or even years. Both sides are likely to appeal or push for more hearings. For now, Spribe has the upper hand in this round, but Aviator LLC isn't backing down. The outcome will ripple through the industry, affecting how crash games and similar products are protected. In the end, this ruling shows that copyright law is never simple. It's a reminder that even in a digital world, borders still matter. If you're following this case, keep an eye on how the UK court handles the foreign law angle. It could change the game for everyone.