Airlines

Virgin sues Alaska Airlines for $160m in trademark dispute

Virgin Group is suing Alaska Airlines for $160 million

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Due to a disagreement on the use of the business’ trademarks during its merger with Virgin America, Virgin Group is suing Alaska Airlines for $160 million. At a stated price of $2.6 billion, Alaska Airlines merged with Virgin America in 2016. Alaska reportedly had to pay $8 million in annual royalties through 2039.

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They argue that they are no longer required to pay Virgin because Alaska no longer utilizes the Virgin name. According to Virgin, Alaska is still obligated to make yearly payments. Alaska must pay the minimal royalty as a debt in exchange for being allowed to use the Virgin trademark, Virgin lawyer Daniel Toledano stated, regardless of whether and to what extent Alaska actually uses the Virgin trademark.

Weisselberg further contends that due to protections put in place in 2007 to allow the airline to operate “completely unbranded from Virgin,” Alaska is protected from further payments to Virgin.

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Regardless of how Alaska Airlines operates its own business following the merger, Virgin wants the money they claim to be entitled. If Alaska has the measures in place to keep them from having to make those payments, they also have a good case, especially in light of the fact that the Virgin America name is no longer in use.

The time between now and 2039, though, is quite a minefield because if such an arrangement were signed, Alaska would have to start paying Virgin by that date. Of course, it makes sense that this issue ended up in court, as an impartial arbitrator is required to render a particular judgment based on the law.

It is heading to court because both sides have compelling arguments. The judge’s work is made a little more challenging in this sense because it is unknown who will win. The judge will probably be able to make an intelligent judgment.

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Airlines

Qatar Airways Adds Direct Toronto-Amritsar Flights with Stopover in Doha

Qatar Airways has made travel easier for passengers by announcing a new three-weekly non-stop service between Toronto, Canada, and Doha, Qatar, starting on December 11, 2024.

This new route provides seamless connectivity for travelers heading to Amritsar, offering a convenient alternative for the Punjabi diaspora in Toronto who wish to avoid the hassles of transiting through Delhi airport.

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In a joint press release, Anantdeep Singh Dhillon, FlyAmritsar Initiative North America Convener, and Sameep Singh Gumtala, Global Convener, highlighted that this new route addresses the long-standing demand for better travel options to Punjab.

With this service, Amritsar will now have ten weekly flights to Canada via Doha, making the journey simpler and more comfortable for travelers who previously had to deal with long road trips, multiple layovers, and extended check-ins.

Flight Schedule and Connectivity

The qatar air line from Amritsar will depart at 4:10 a.m. (local time) and arrive in Doha at 6:05 a.m. (local time). After a layover of 3 hours and 45 minutes, passengers will board the qatar airways flight from Doha to Toronto at 9:50 a.m. (local time) on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, landing in Toronto the same day at 3:55 p.m. (local time).

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On the return journey, the qatar airlines will depart from Toronto at 8:00 p.m. (local time) and arrive in Doha at 4:30 p.m. (local time) the following day. From there, passengers will catch the connecting flight to Amritsar at 8:40 p.m. (local time), reaching their destination by 2:40 a.m. (local time). The total travel time qatar seatmap for the journey is approximately 20 hours and 10 minutes.

This new route is a significant relief for travelers who have often faced the challenges of long road journeys to Delhi, lengthy layovers, and multiple check-ins. By streamlining the travel process, qatar Airways ensures a smoother and faster journey, enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers traveling between Canada and Punjab.