YOSEMITE (KMJ) — A number of sites inside Yosemite National Park will be changing their names to avoid a potential trademark infringement.
The news comes after the National Park Service were hit with a lawsuit from Delaware North Companies last September. They argued that they were owed $44 million for names of properties inside the National Park, after they lost the concessionaire contract to an Aramark subsidiary called Yosemite Hospitality LLC.
“While it is unfortunate that we must take this action, changing the names of these facilities will help us provide seamless service to the American public during the transition to the new concessionaire”, said Yosemite National Park Superintendent Don Neubacher.
“This action will not affect the historic status of the facilities, as they are still important cultural icons to the National Park Service and the public. Our stewardship of these properties is unwavering.”
So…
- ‘Yosemite Lodge at the Falls’ will become ‘Yosemite Valley Lodge’.
- ‘The Ahwahnee’ will become ‘The Majestic Yosemite Hotel’.
- ‘Curry Village’ will become ‘Half Dome Village’.
- ‘Wawona Hotel’ will become ‘The Big Trees Lodge’
- ‘Badger Pass Ski Area’ will become ‘Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area’
The new names are expected to be in place by March 1st. However, the National Park Service says they’re still in litigation in part over the original trade marks.
