A judge blocks the Oakland airport in California from using San Francisco in its name
A legal dispute has temporarily halted the dispute between the cities of San Francisco and Oakland in California over the naming of the airport.
In April, Oakland officials voted to change the name of the city’s airport to San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport, reported the Associated Press (AP).
AIRLINE PASSENGERS CREATE ‘EXIT GATE’ IN TRY TO AVOID ‘BAD AIRPORT HAPPENS’
The city and county of San Francisco filed a lawsuit in the US District Court for the Northern District of California alleging trademark infringement.
A federal judge on Tuesday ruled that Oakland infringed on San Francisco’s trademark and must immediately stop using the city’s name. Pictured here is San Francisco International Airport. (Stock)
A judge ruled Tuesday that Oakland infringed on San Francisco’s trademark and must immediately stop using the name “San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport,” according to court documents.
CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LIFE NEWSLETTER
“In the United States the name of the city is usually in the name of the airport only if the city owns or manages a part of the airport, the new name of the Oakland airport strongly implies association with San Francisco and San Francisco International Airport. [SFO],” said the order.
For more lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyle
Oakland International Airport (OAK) is approximately 30 miles from SFO.
San Francisco International Airport is one of the 12 busiest airports. (Stock)
In the order, US Magistrate Judge Thomas Hixson acknowledged that changing the name could cause uncertainty among the public, writing that “The public interest is best served by not confusing customers.”
The judge also said San Francisco spent millions to develop its brand, the AP wrote, adding, “The judge also ordered the Oakland airport to remove any signs with the new name.”
CLICK HERE FOR THE FOX NEWS PROGRAM
San Francisco International Airport is one of the top 12 busiest airports, accepting “more than twice” the number of travelers than the airports in Oakland and San Jose combined.
A spokesperson for the Port of Oakland told Reuters that the port “continues to review the latest decision and is considering all available options.”
The spokesperson also said that officials are considering appealing this decision.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the cities of San Francisco and Oakland for comment.
The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.
Source link
