American Airlines takes Delta to court for using the word ‘flagship’

American Airlines has sued Delta over the alleged infringement of the “Flagship” trademark.

American Airlines has entered into a legal battle with Delta Air Lines over the use of its trademarked word “Flagship”.

In a lawsuit filed Friday at the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas, Delta is accused of using the terms “flagship”, “Flagship” and “FLAGSHIP” to promote its own airport lounges and premium services since 2017.

American claims it has been using that word since the 1930’s.

The filing states that Delta is using the term to promote products and services that are too similar to the ones that American trademarked it for.

“This is no accident. American believes Delta is looking to capture additional market share by targeting its greatest competitor, American, and eroding the brand, goodwill, and value that American has built over the past eighty years through the Flagship marks,” the suit reads.

“Delta considers American Airlines to be one of its biggest competitors—if not its biggest competitor. Some of Delta’s chief marketing strategies include persuading consumers to choose Delta over American Airlines, and attempting to persuade loyal American customers to switch their loyalty to Delta.”

American is seeking a finding of wilful trademark infringement, a permanent injunction and damages.

This is not the first time American Airlines has taken legal action alleging trademark infringement.

Last year, the airline sued a Latin American company called American Assist Travel Services Inc. for using the ‘AA’ moniker to market itself in the travel industry.