Airlines

Virgin Wins $160 Million Alaska Airlines Trademark Lawsuit

On Thursday, a judge in London ruled that Virgin Group is entitled to royalties even though Alaska Airlines Inc. no longer uses the Virgin brand, and the company won the trademark dispute for almost $160 million.

Alaska is obligated to pay a yearly “minimum royalty” payment of almost $8 million, according to Virgin entities Virgin Aviation TM Ltd and Virgin Enterprises Ltd. In a written decision issued on Thursday, Judge Christopher Hancock stated that the minimal royalty was “a flat fee payable for the right to use the Virgin brand, whether or not that right is taken up.”

U.S. judge: Passengers in fatal Boeing 737 MAX crashes are ‘crime victims’(Opens in a new browser tab)

Virgin’s acquisition of Alaska included “a branding agreement running until 2039 with clear commitments,” a company representative said, adding, “We are glad the court agreed with our arguments.”

According to a representative for Alaska, the case “lacks merit, and we intend to appeal the decision.”Before Alaska Air Group Inc. completed its $2.6 billion acquisition of Virgin America, Virgin gave a trademark licence to Virgin America to use its brand in connection with the running of a domestic U.S. airline.

In 2018, Alaska’s operations were integrated with those of Virgin America, and the Virgin name was dropped the following year. In October, Virgin informed the London High Court that Alaska is required to make the yearly payment as Virgin America Inc.’s legal heir.

Richard Branson Reacts to Alaska Airlines’ Decision to Retire Virgin America Brand(Opens in a new browser tab)

Alaska’s attorneys said that it was “commercially nonsensical” to be bound by a contract that would cost it $8 million year for trademarks it does not intend to use. Hancock, however, found that the agreement indicated that “Virgin America should pay a continuing minimum charge for the right to re-use the Virgin brand, whether or not they choose to do so.” According to the judge, the conditions of the contract “must be examined from the standpoint of Virgin and Virgin America… instead of from Alaska’s viewpoint.

Source:

Related Topics:Alaska Airlines Virgin America

Airlines

British Airways Unveils Its Brand-New First Class Cabin for the Airbus A380

British Airways has introduced its brand-new First Class seat, blending sleek design with expert British craftsmanship. Reflecting modern British luxury travel, this new cabin is part of the airline’s Airbus A380 retrofit plans, set to take flight in mid-2026.

The updated First Class cabin has been crafted to feel like a modern luxury hotel in the sky, complete with cozy touches and thoughtful British details.

Etihad Airways Unveils 10 Exciting New Routes for 2025

Designed by top experts from across Great Britain and Ireland—including London, Glasgow, West Yorkshire, Kilkeel, and Dublin—the seat reflects the best of British design and quality.

Features and Comforts
The new First Class seat is ultra-wide at 36.5 inches, with a bed length of 79 inches for ultimate comfort. It includes:

A multi-purpose ottoman and stowable table.
A 32-inch 4K TV screen.
Adjustable mood lighting with modes like “relax,” “dine,” and “cinema.”
A cocooned 60-inch curved wall for privacy while maintaining a spacious feel.

Passengers traveling together can enjoy a shared experience with a sliding divider that creates a lounge-like space. The stowable tables also allow for “buddy dining,” where two people can dine together.

The cabin’s flowing curves, inspired by the iconic Concorde wings, create a welcoming and stylish environment. Additionally, passengers can now wheel their luggage directly into their personal storage space, making settling in easier.

This country tops visa rejections in the popular Schengen countries

British Airways carefully considered customer feedback when designing this cabin. The seat includes practical storage and features like a fully rectangular bed for home-like comfort. Every detail, from usability to elegance, has been designed to enhance the travel experience.

British Airways is proud to be the only UK-based European airline offering a First Class product across the Atlantic. british airways premium economy and First Class travelers enjoy exclusive perks such as stylish seats, access to luxury lounges, fast-track security, and the First Wing at Heathrow. The airline ensures a premium experience from booking to landing.

This cabin upgrade is part of British Airways’ £7 billion investment in improving customer experiences. The airline has already introduced over 120 initiatives, including new short-haul seats, free onboard Wi-Fi messaging, and refreshed lounges worldwide.