The protracted legal dispute over the “Aviator” name has taken another twist in Brazil, where a federal court has ruled in favor of Aviator Studio in its battle against Spribe. The verdict by the 18th Federal Civil Court of the Federal District suspends Spribe’s ability to use its Brazilian trademark registration for “Aviator” while the larger case moves forward.
Aviator Studio’s Partners Can Rest Easy
In practice, this new ruling strips Spribe of the exclusivity it enjoyed until a final decision is reached on who owns the brand. Aviator Studio says the brand is several years older than Spribe claims, saying it started in Georgia in 2016 and was officially registered in 2018. The Brazilian court conceded there was sufficient reason to challenge Spribe’s position, particularly with similar disputes playing out in other jurisdictions.
This decision represents an important step in protecting the Aviator brand and enforcing intellectual property rights internationally.
George Pruidze, Aviator Studio CEO
Judges cited the parallel proceedings as a key factor. Earlier rulings in Georgia have already gone against Spribe, invalidating its local trademark claims and recognizing Aviator Studio’s rights. That history appears to have weighed on the Brazilian court, which highlighted continuing challenges to Spribe’s ownership narrative in several countries.
This decision could alleviate some of the pressure on Aviator Studio’s business. The company alleges that its competitor has aggressively enforced the disputed trademark, sending legal notices and pressuring operators to abandon the Aviator name. The suspension effectively puts those efforts on hold in Brazil, removing a layer of uncertainty for partners using the brand.
Legal Disputes Continue in Several Countries
Despite this decision, the broader legal fight is far from over. The dispute has stretched across several jurisdictions, with cases in Europe and beyond. A 2024 decision gave Aviator Studio another boost, with financial penalties imposed on Spribe and portions of its trademark portfolio knocked out. Still, not every courtroom has favored the company.
In the United Kingdom, the process has been more measured. A judge there rejected Aviator Studio’s bid to fast-track the ownership question, saying it is tied to contested facts and foreign law, such as rulings from Georgia. The court also said any final decision would have to take into account legal frameworks in multiple countries, and not just domestic rules.
We remain committed to defending the integrity of the Aviator brand and ensuring that its legitimate ownership is recognized across all jurisdictions.
George Pruidze, Aviator Studio CEO
For now, Aviator Studio has gained a meaningful foothold in Brazil, one of its core markets and a key jurisdiction in the ongoing dispute. Despite the company’s advantage, the tides could still turn as legal questions remain unresolved in several international cases that could prove pivotal to the future of the Aviator name.