Sportsbet wins federal court injunction against CrownBet’s rebrand plans

Thursday 12th of July 2018

Australian online bookmaker Sportsbet has won an injunction order which prevents CrownBet from changing its name to ‘Sportingbet’, local media reports.

CrownBet, which was formerly majority owned by casino operator Crown Resorts, sold its 62 percent stake to The Stars Group in February.

The company was planning to rebrand itself to Sportingbet Ptd Ltd.

However, in late June, Sportsbet launched a Federal Court lawsuit against CrownBet, accusing the brand name Sportingbet of infringing on Sportbet’s trademark.

“Sportsbet is taking court action to protect the Sportsbet brand, and Australian consumers, from being misled in the market between Sportsbet and a Sportingbet brand,” said a Sportsbet spokesman last month.

The injunction order was granted in court on Wednesday.

"This decision demonstrates that the court shares our concern regarding the likelihood that consumers will be misled into thinking services offered under a Sportingbet brand are connected or associated with Sportsbet," said a Sportsbet spokesperson.

"Sportsbet will continue to take all necessary action to protect its brand and prevent deception in the market, and will see the matter through to a final determination, if necessary."

A spokesperson from CrownBet said on Wednesday that the company was considering the court’s decision and its options.

"We're obviously disappointed and will examine the decision closely and consider all options available to us," the spokesman said.