American Airlines in Trademark Dispute with Expedia

November 29, 2018

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American Airlines recently sued Expedia Inc. in the Northern District Court in Texas for trademark infringement (case no. 18-cv-00850). The airline claims that Expedia’s Add-On Advantage mark could be confused with American Airlines’ AAdvantage mark, and is seeking an injunction to stop Expedia from using the mark.

Add-On Advantage is a discount program rolled out by Expedia in June 2018, which provides discounted hotel rates for travelers who purchase a flight, car rental or package through Expedia. American Airlines’ AAdvantage program is a loyalty program launched in 1981, through which members can earn miles and apply them towards flights, upgrades, car rentals, hotels etc.

American Airlines is concerned that customers will be misled and will mistakenly associate the Add-On Advantage program with American Airlines and AAdvantage, and has alleged that Expedia’s use and wide promotion of the mark is causing “irreparable harm to the goodwill and reputation of American and its trademarks.”

Author: Sheena Singh