Stake.com vs Stake.com.au legal battle over trademark continues in Australia

• The trademark dispute between Stake.com and Stake.com.au moves to a new phase with court hearings scheduled for October and December
• Stake.com.au has obtained subpoenas compelling media companies SBS and Nine Entertainment to provide witness statements regarding Formula 1 sponsorship branding
• The case centres on allegations of trademark infringement and consumer confusion, with both companies filing claims against each other

The legal dispute between crypto casino Stake.com and Australian trading platform Stake.com.au has reached a new phase, with court hearings scheduled. The case involves allegations of trademark infringement and misleading conduct, with both companies claiming the other is damaging their brand in the Australian market.

Brand confusion and harm

The conflict originated when Stake.com.au, which launched in 2017, filed a lawsuit against Stake.com following the latter’s increased Australian marketing activities in 2021.

The Curaçao-based crypto casino’s expansion included a major sponsorship deal with the Alfa Romeo Formula 1 team, which Stake.com.au claims has created brand confusion amongst consumers, according to Gamblers Connect.

Stake.com.au argues that the crypto casino’s activities are causing brand confusion and harm. The trading platform has successfully obtained subpoenas to compel witness statements from media companies SBS and Nine Entertainment, who broadcast Formula 1 races featuring Stake.com’s branding.

These statements will be key evidence in determining whether consumer confusion has occurred.

2023 Alfa Romeo F1® Team Stake C43 Official Show Car

In response, Stake.com has filed a cross-claim against the Australian trading platform. The crypto casino alleges that Stake.com.au is infringing on its own established trademarks and has acted in bad faith throughout the dispute.

The case has attracted additional regulatory attention, with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) reportedly investigating Stake.com.au over its “Stake-branded products.” This investigation adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing trademark dispute.

The October hearing will focus on the subpoena applications while the December date has been set for broader case management.

Legal battle started in 2023

The legal battle has been ongoing since 2023, when Stake.com.au filed the initial lawsuit against Stake.com to prevent the operator from marketing under the brand name in Australia as it planned to expand into the country.

The dispute has been complicated by Stake.com’s international marketing presence, including partnerships with Formula 1 teams and celebrity endorsements from rapper Drake.

Stake.com has also attempted to purchase Stake.com.au’s domain name and applied to register several Australian trademarks including “Stake Australia,” “Stake Bet,” and “Stake Casino”.

Both companies operate in the Australian market but serve different customer bases – Stake.com.au focuses on stock trading while Stake.com operates as a cryptocurrency casino.