Due to a Trademark Dispute, Yosemite to Change Historic Names

According to KQED, Yosemite National Park will change the names of iconic hotels and other landmarks in an ongoing battle against Delaware North over who wins the intellectual properties. The big name changes include the luxurious Ahwahnee Hotel will become the Majestic Yosemite Hotel and Curry Village will become Half Dome Village after the dispute. The name change is the result of an ongoing dispute with Delaware North, the company that recently lost a $2 billion bid to run Yosemite’s hotels, restaurants and outdoor activities.

“Delaware North apparently embarked on a business model whereby it collects trademarks to the names of iconic property owned by the United States,” stated Justice Department attorney John Robertson.

Delaware North is demanding to be compensated $51 million for the names and other intellectual property. The New York-based firm filed a lawsuit last year claiming it won the contract in 1993, which is a park service that required the company to buy the former concessionaire’s assets. Yosemite park officials are making the name changes to avoid any disruptions to visitors with hotel reservations during the transition to a new concessionaire on March 1.

“We’re clearly in disagreement with Delaware North. We’re taking this action to ensure the seamless transition,” stated John Robertson.

The Five Major Name Changes Outlined In A Yosemite Press Release:

● Yosemite Lodge at the Falls to become: Yosemite Valley Lodge
● The Ahwahnee to become: The Majestic Yosemite Hotel
● Curry Village to become: Half Dome Village
● Wawona Hotel to become: Big Trees Lodge
● Badger Pass Ski Area to become: Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area

According to the government’s response to a lawsuit that Delaware North filed with the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, the names and other intellectual property of Yosemite National Park are worth about $3.5 million. Delaware North hopes Yosemite and the new concessionaire decide not to change the names and claims that they just want just and fair treatment. Yosemite National Park, another name which is also claimed by Delaware North and remains in dispute, will stay put as of now! Many people are concerned that the name changes will strip away the Native American heritage, lets just hope that doesn’t happen.