Orlando Sanford International Airport Sues Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Buckle up ladies and gentlemen, we have an Orlando airport controversy on our hands.
Orlando Sanford International Airport has filed a lawsuit against Orlando International Airport (MCO) regarding a multiyear trademark fight that was decided earlier this year.
What Orlando Sanford International Airport Wants
The Sanford airport filed the dispute in federal court, asking a judge to determine that its name and logos are not infringing on Orlando International Airport’s name and trademarks. They also want the court to reverse a decision from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office that sided with MCO.
Finally, the Sanford Airport is asking the court to determine that the term “Orlando International Airport” is a generic term for international airport services in Orlando. Thus, they argue, it is not a valid trademark.
“Absent a declaratory judgment to this effect, the defendant will continue to wrongfully allege that the plaintiff’s airport services advertised or sold under plaintiff’s marks are likely to be confused with the generic word ‘mark’ Orlando International Airport, thereby causing plaintiff irreparable injury and damage, including plaintiff’s inability to obtain trademark registrations for plaintiff’s marks,” alleges the Sanford airport in the legal filing.
The Sanford airport argues that there has been no confusion from users, including vendors and airlines. The airport has gone by the name Orlando Sanford International Airport for 27 years.
MCO’s Argument
MCO has yet to respond to the latest court filing.
Previously, however, the airport has argued that the similar names between the two airports has caused confusion for travelers. In March 2023, the appeals board sided with MCO, citing social media posts where passengers booked flights at the wrong airport and news articles referencing the confusion.
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