Online Gaming Platform Stake.com Faces Copyright Infringement Lawsuit from Australian Shares Trading Platform
Posted on: August 18, 2023, 03:31h.
Last updated on: August 18, 2023, 03:31h.
In a significant legal battle in the gaming and financial industries, the Curaçao-licensed online gaming platform Stake.com is being sued for copyright infringement by the Australian shares trading platform Stake. The lawsuit, filed in the Federal Court of Australia, alleges that Stake.com’s name and branding have the potential to create confusion and dilution of the shares trading platform’s brand.
The highly popular online gaming platform Stake.com, known for its cryptocurrency betting and online gambling activities, has recently expressed interest in entering the Australian gambling market. While Stake.com has already gained a considerable following globally, its move into its home country raises significant legal concerns.
According to the Australian Associated Press, Stake, the shares trading platform based in Bondi Junction, Sydney, argues that the similarity in names could lead to confusion. Given that both companies were established in 2017, determining the outcome of this legal battle presents intriguing odds.
Stake Vs Stake
Stake allows users to invest in stocks and securities through its user-friendly platform. Operating primarily in Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, and the UK, Stake, as stated on their website, hellostake.com, has gained popularity for its accessibility and focus on brokerage activities.
As “one of Australia’s fastest-growing companies” with a growing customer base, Stake believes that the similarity in names with Stake.com could negatively affect its brand reputation. It also raises concerns of user confusion.
Representatives for Stake, the shares trading platform, argue that Stake.com’s branding might mislead consumers into believing that the two entities are affiliated or connected in some way, despite offering distinct services. The lawsuit alleges that Stake.com’s use of the name could damage the reputation Stake has worked hard to establish in the financial sector.
Stake accuses Stake.com of making “false and misleading” statements on its suite of websites, which could confuse consumers. It draws attention to the gaming platform’s eCommerce site, where merchandise is labeled as “Stake,” rather than “Stake.com.”
Legal experts highlight that trademark infringement cases involving similar names across different industries are not uncommon. The outcome often hinges on factors such as name similarity, service overlap, and potential consumer confusion.
Not In Oz
The lawsuit seeks to prevent Stake.com from using its name in Australia. While it’s not unusual for gaming companies to have multiple brands, approval of the suit could have significant consequences for Stake.com.
Stake.com currently has high-profile sponsorship deals, including one with the Alfa Romeo Formula One racing team through its streaming platform Kick. Although the brand appeared at the Melbourne Grand Prix, further appearances could be problematic if the lawsuit holds.
With smart money management and strategic spending practices, Stake.com should be capable of defending itself against the lawsuit. Recent data from strategic advisory firm Regulus Partners reveals that Stake.com’s gross revenue last year exceeded $2.3 billion, placing it ahead of competitors like DraftKings and 888 Holdings.
As the legal proceedings progress, the courts will play a crucial role in determining whether Stake.com’s branding amounts to copyright infringement. Though already victorious in a previous $580 million legal claim, Stake.com might be rolling the dice again in hopes of another favorable outcome.