Conversely, Paul Yetter, representing American Airlines, argued that the airline lost revenue and customers faced confusion because of Skiplagged’s actions. He maintained that Skiplagged used American’s branding for its own profit, and did so deliberately.
Skiplagged Cost American Airlines $18M : Legal Rulings and Case Background
U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman previously ruled in July that American Airlines had waited too long to bring certain contract claims, knowing about Skiplagged’s operations since 2016. However, the judge allowed American’s copyright claim regarding Skiplagged’s unauthorized use of the airline’s flight symbol, which was still in use as recently as 2023. Judge Pittman also denied summary judgment for both sides on trademark infringement and unfair competition claims, leaving those issues for the jury to decide.
With American Airlines’ claim for false designation of origin dismissed last week, the trial now centers on trademark infringement, damages, and customer confusion caused by Skiplagged’s business model.
