UK High Court Rejects Majority of Entain Copyright Claims Against Outplayed and OddsMonkey

The UK High Court has rejected the bulk of Entain‘s copyright claims in its legal action against matched betting platforms. Mr Justice Cawson ruled that the operator failed to establish definitive ownership of the relevant brand assets. The case, filed in August 2025, targeted Outplayed and OddsMonkey over alleged infringement involving logos and website screenshots.

Entain accused the platforms of trademark and copyright violations by incorporating material from its subsidiaries, including Ladbrokes, Coral, and Sportingbet. The operator labeled these businesses “parasitic” because they rely on promotions from sportsbooks to generate user profits. Sportsbooks have condemned matched betting for undermining the value of customer bonuses and turning them into guaranteed returns.

Ownership Documentation Proves Decisive in Copyright Rejection

The court found that logos and designs could not be traced as definitively belonging to Entain. Defendants noted that the Ladbrokes and Coral logos were outsourced and dated back several decades. Corporate acquisitions alone did not suffice to prove ownership, even with long-term use and no competing claims, Mr Justice Cawson determined.

Entain received a short window to amend its filings with specific details on ownership, authors, and publication dates. Failure to provide this information leaves the copyright claims without foundation. The ruling underscores the evidentiary burden operators face when enforcing intellectual property acquired through prior transactions.

Trademark Claims Survive to Potentially Reach Trial

The UK High Court left Entain‘s trademark allegations intact. These claims focus on the platforms’ use of promotion links and screenshots that guide users on profiting from bonuses. Defendants countered that they simply provide the public with information, an activity they deem protected under the Trade Marks Act. Matched betting itself is not illegal.

As reported by GamblingNews, a victory for Entain on trademark grounds would deliver a significant blow to the UK matched betting sector. The dispute highlights ongoing friction between operators and services that arbitrage promotional offers. How the surviving claims fare will shape the boundaries of brand enforcement in this space.

Reporting: GamblingNews

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