Stephen Ellison

Yosemite Trademark Dispute Appears Headed For Trial

Feds and former park concessionaire unable to settle differences through mediation

A trademark dispute over the names of famous landmarks at Yosemite National Park won't likely end without a courtroom fight.

Federal officials and Yosemite's former concessionaire, Delaware North, say they haven't been able to settle their differences through mediation and expect a trial.

The dispute erupted early this year when Delaware North lost its $2 billion contract to run the Ahwahnee Hotel and other park ventures. Yosemite temporarily renamed the Ahwahnee Hotel as the Majestic Yosemite Hotel.

Delaware North says the new concessionaire should have to pay $51 million for several landmark names and other intellectual property. Officials value them at $3.5 million.

Glen White of Delaware North says the company wants to continue mediation as the legal case plays out.

U.S. Department of Justice spokeswoman Nicole Navas declined to comment on the lawsuit.

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