San Francisco, California, is at the center of a brewing controversy with Oakland’s port commissioners over the proposed name change for the city’s airport. In an attempt to attract more travelers, Oakland wants to rename its airport to “San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport.” However, San Francisco’s city officials have expressed concerns about trademark infringement, threatening to sue if the renaming plan proceeds.
City Attorney David Chiu of San Francisco argues that using the term “San Francisco” in Oakland’s airport name would cause confusion among travelers. He believes that the proposed change is not a practical or legal solution and could potentially harm the entire Bay Area’s tourism industry. Chiu is prepared to take legal action to protect the city’s trademark if necessary.
Ivar C. Satero, the airport director of San Francisco International Airport (SFO), shares Chiu’s concerns. Satero emphasizes the potential confusion and frustration that the name change could cause, especially for international travelers. Given SFO’s established history and strong recognition in the marketplace, Satero supports the idea of a legal challenge to prevent misinformation and ensure clarity for visitors to the Bay Area.
Chiu’s letter to Oakland officials highlights the potential dangers of the proposed new name, particularly for international travelers who may not understand English. The letter points out that a significant portion of SFO’s consumer base consists of international travelers, making it crucial to avoid confusion or mistakes that could arise from the similar airport names. Chiu suggests that Oakland and San Francisco work together to find alternative names that would not create confusion.
If approved, the name change would not affect the airport’s code or visual branding, according to the Port of Oakland. However, Oakland’s efforts to improve its reputation have faced challenges, with rising crime rates and the departure of businesses like In-N-Out and Wendy’s near the airport. Additionally, the city’s last remaining professional sports team, the Oakland A’s, is also on the verge of leaving. These factors further complicate Oakland’s attempt to rebrand its airport.
The Oakland Board of Port Commissioners is set to discuss the renaming proposal at an upcoming public meeting on April 11th. The outcome of this meeting will determine whether Oakland’s airport will bear the name “San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport” or if alternative solutions will be pursued to resolve the controversy.