Australia’s Sportsbet files trademark infringement suit v. Sportsbetting.com.au

Australian online sports betting operator Sportsbet is once again suing a rival operator for daring to combine the words ‘sports’ and ‘betting’ in their brand.

Sportsbet, which is owned by UK-listed gambling behemoth Flutter Entertainment, has filed a trademark infringement suit in Federal Court against Sportsbetting.com.au Pty Ltd, whose brand Sportsbet claims is too similar to its own.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Sportsbet attempted to resolve the matter on an amicable basis outside the legal arena but was apparently rebuffed. Sportsbet is now seeking a permanent injunction against Sportsbetting.com.au using its current name, arguing that “the resemblance between Sportsbet and Sportsbetting is undeniable.”

Sportsbetting.com.au Pty Ltd and Sportsbet Pty Ltd both hold licenses issued by the Northern Territory Racing Commission. That said, the latter company holds a much larger share of Australia’s online betting market and is set to grow even larger following its parent company’s recent deal-making.