JetBlue sues Walmart

JetBlue Airways Corp. has sued the world’s largest retailer for trademark infringement.

JetBlue wants to stop Walmart from using the name Jetblack for its text-based personal shopping service, reported Reuters. In a lawsuit filed in Manhattan federal court, JetBlue called Jetblack a “transparent attempt” by Walmart to capitalize on the carrier’s goodwill, and would likely cause “significant consumer confusion” as the service expands across the United States.  Walmart launched the membership-based service in May 2018.

JetBlue, the sixth-largest U.S. airline, also said Walmart intended further infringements by using such other “Jet+color” names as Jetgold and Jetsilver, and moving closer to JetBlue’s core business by offering travel services, including dining and entertainment recommendations.

“Walmart is an intellectual property owner and respects the intellectual property rights of others," Walmart spokesperson Randy Hargrove told Chain Store Age. "We take this issue seriously and once we are served with the complaint; we will respond appropriately with the court.