Florida Court Ends Sanford Airport Trademark Dispute

The Sanford Airport Authority has resolved a nearly decade-long trademark dispute with the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. The conflict centered on the Sanford airport's use of the name "Orlando Sanford International Airport" and related marks, which GOAA challenged on grounds of potential consumer confusion.

The litigation began after GOAA opposed SAA's 2016 trademark applications before the USPTO. Proceedings moved to federal court in the Middle District of Florida. Shutts & Bowen, representing SAA, obtained summary judgment on delay defenses, which eliminated GOAA's jury demand and narrowed the case to a bench trial.

Shortly before trial, the parties reached a negotiated settlement. GOAA stipulated to a final judgment in SAA's favor and provided a covenant not to pursue future claims against the airport's name. The outcome secures SAA's long-standing branding rights after more than 30 years of use.

The case highlighted issues involving geographic descriptors in trademarks and long-term marketplace coexistence between airport operators.

Sources: https://www.shutts.com/news-Shutts-and-Bowen-Secures-Victory-on-Behalf-of-Client-Sanford-Airport-Authority-in-Decade-Long-Trademark-Dispute https://lutherlawgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Order-Denying-Registration-for-Sanfords-Marks.pdf