Temporary signs to come down at Yosemite
Temporary signs are set to come down and original place names in the iconic U.S national park are to be restored, following the resolve of a lengthy copyright lawsuit.
Tuesday, 16 Jul 2019 12:17 GMT
The Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite National Park
Delaware North, a hospitality company, held the contract to manage properties in Yosemite until 2016, when it lost the contract to Yosemite Hospitality - a subsidiary of Aramark. Delaware North subsequently sued, arguing that the bidding process was unfair.
The case progressed and as a result, it was revealed that Delaware North had trademarked many of the names of the properties it had managed in the park.
The company wanted Yosemite Hospitality to pay for the trademarks, asking for a larger sum than what the National Park Service (NPS) said it was worth, which both the NPS and Yosemite Hospitality refused.
As a result, iconic places like the Ahwahnee Hotel became The Majestic Yosemite Hotel and new signage had to be installed – some just displaying plastic tarpaulin with the new names covering the historic signs.
We are very excited to restore these historic names to these properties that are so important to Yosemite”
Under the terms of the settlement, Delaware North is transferring the trademarks to Aramark. In a statement, the NPS says all trademarks and service marks will be transferred to the NPS “at no cost” and “upon the expiration or termination of Aramark’s contract”.
The statement continues: “The National Park Service looks forward to the restoration of some of the previous names of the properties at Yosemite, including the Ahwahnee hotel, and the resumed use of other trademarks in connection with concessioner activities at Yosemite.
“Any changes to the current names of properties at Yosemite National Park following this settlement will be based upon a schedule to be determined by Aramark and the National Park Service.”
Yesterday, (Monday 15th) the Twitter page for Yosemite National Park posted two images, one showing the temporary sign for Camp Curry, renamed as Half Dome Village during the copyright dispute, and the original sign in all its glory.
Speaking to CNN Travel, Yosemite National Park spokesman Scott Gediman says: "We are very excited to restore these historic names to these properties that are so important to Yosemite and the American people.
“The American people have been very supportive of the effort to restore these historic place names and this settlement agreement is a win for everybody."
He added that park officials are now busy removing temporary signs, but it could take weeks or months to replace road signs, room directories and update websites.
According to Gediman, of the $12m (£9.64m) settlement paid to Delaware North, Aramark paid $8.16m (£6.56m) and the US Government paid $3.84m (£3.09m).
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