In addition to stopping Oakland from using the new name, Chiu’s motion seeks to require the city to destroy or transfer all physical and digital materials containing the new name and charge it damages and fees.
In addition to stopping Oakland from using the new name, Chiu’s motion seeks to require the city to destroy or transfer all physical and digital materials containing the new name and charge it damages and fees.
The Port of Oakland Board of Commissioners approved the airport’s new name April 11, prompting immediate criticism from San Francisco officials. One week later, Chiu’s office filed its lawsuit.
Shortly before the name change was approved, Standard readers chimed in online with joke names prodding at some of the city’s issues with crime and fleeing professional sports franchises, including zingers like “Smash N Grab International” and “The Athletics-Raiders-Warriors Departure Field.”
The city attorney’s office claims Oakland’s apparent intention in renaming its airport was to “capitalize” on SFO’s trademark and lead people to believe OAK has a business relationship or affiliation with SFO, which it does not, according to the lawsuit.
San Francisco has held the federal trademark for San Francisco International Airport since 1954, according to the city attorney’s office.
Oakland officials have not yet responded to requests for comment on the latest legal action.
Garrett Leahy can be reached at garrett@sfstandard.com