A federal judge has ordered the Port of Oakland to cease using the name San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport for its aviation operations amid an ongoing lawsuit brought by the city of San Francisco.
In April, San Francisco filed a lawsuit alleging that the name change constitutes a trademark violation. The city requested a federal judge to issue a preliminary injunction, arguing that the new name confuses travelers aiming for San Francisco International Airport and infringes on their established branding.
On Tuesday, U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas Hixson sided with San Francisco’s argument regarding the trademark violation. He noted that the city has invested millions in developing its airport’s brand. Consequently, Judge Hixson ordered Oakland’s airport to remove any signage bearing the new name.
Port of Oakland spokesperson Robert Bernardo stated that officials are currently reviewing the ruling and are weighing their options, which may include filing an appeal.
In May, the Board of Commissioners for the Port of Oakland approved the name change despite objections from San Francisco officials, who argued that the new name would cause confusion and have financial repercussions for San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
Oakland airport officials argued that travelers unfamiliar with the Bay Area often mistakenly fly into San Francisco’s airport even when their destinations are closer to Oakland International Airport, situated across the San Francisco Bay. They believe that adding “San Francisco Bay” to the Oakland airport’s name will mitigate this confusion. The airport’s code, OAK, would remain unchanged.
“We are standing up for Oakland and the East Bay,” said Port Commission President Barbara Leslie in a statement following the vote. “This name will make it clear that OAK is the closest major airport for 4.1 million people, three national laboratories, the top public university in the country, and California’s Wine Country.”
