Sportsbet files legal claim against rival operator over “undeniable” resemblance
Flutter-owned Australian subsidiary launches legal challenge after out-of-court talks collapse
Sportsbet has ignited legal action against rival Australian operator Sportsbetting.com.au over claims its name and website violate intellectual property rights.
The Flutter Entertainment subsidiary filed an intellectual property claim with Australia’s Federal Court of Victoria last week, after last-ditch settlement talks between the two parties collapsed.
Sportsbet told EGR it was taking action “to protect the Sportsbet brand and trademark” and to also prevent consumer confusion in the market.
“We believe that the resemblance between Sportsbet and Sportsbetting is undeniable,” a spokesperson for Sportsbet confirmed.
Sportsbet sought to resolve this matter in the hope that court action could be avoided but was unable to do so.
“Sportsbet has invested significantly in its strong and recognised brand for over two decades to become the punters’ trusted choice for wagering in Australia, and we are determined to protect our brand and avoid consumer confusion,” the spokesperson added.
The first court hearing on the case will take place on 16 June. EGR has contacted Sportsbetting.com.au for comment.
Sportsbet will be represented by Australian law firm Corrs Chambers Westgard, which worked on its similar lawsuit against rival firm CrownBet over its BetEasy brand in 2018.
In this case, Sportsbet successfully argued in court that CrownBet had violated its own trademark by seeking to operate as “Sportingbet” because the names were “substantially similar”.
Sportsbet later confirmed it would absorb the BetEasy brand, following completion of the multi-billion-pound merger between parent companies Flutter Entertainment and The Stars Group.
In its post-merger Q2 trading update, Flutter Entertainment revealed a 56% year-on-year spike in its Australian business revenue, thanks to the continuation of racing on a behind-closed-doors basis amid Covid-19.