The Port of Oakland (OAK) has responded to the state of San Francisco’s recent lawsuit over the Port’s newly proposed name change with a lawsuit of its own.
The Port, which is seeking to change the name of the ‘Metropolitan Oakland International Airport’ to ‘San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport’, has argued that the new name does not infringe on existing trademarks held by San Francisco.
OAK has also disputed the notion that the newly proposed name will lead to confusion among prospective travellers, claiming the vast majority will understand that the San Francisco Bay Area ‘can contain more than one airport’.
Port Attorney Mary Richardson, said:The San Francisco’s City Attorney’s decision to pursue litigation is an attempt to stop consumer education, prevent expanded air travel options for Bay Area residents and visitors, and is a misguided use of San Francisco taxpayer dollars.
OAK is committed to enhancing its airline routes and increasing competition for the benefit of all of San Francisco Bay Area’s visitors and residents, including those residing in the City and County of San Francisco. We stand ready and willing to partner with SFO to increase choices for travelers and invite any productive dialogue to this end.
Seeking a declaratory judgement, which is a ruling made by the court dismissing the notion of trademark infringement, the Port of Oakland has confirmed it will not be seeking financial compensation or damages within its own lawsuit filing.
Richardson added:Changing ‘Metropolitan’ to ‘San Francisco Bay’ in Oakland Airport’s name accurately describes OAK’s geographic location on the Bay and presents the airport as an additional choice for travel into the San Francisco Bay Area.
SFO’s lawsuit is a disappointing and anticompetitive effort to discourage competition and choice, and we are confident the Court will agree.
