Officials with the Port of Oakland unanimously voted in favor of changing the name of Oakland International Airport to San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport, despite the threat of a lawsuit by San Francisco over alleged trademark violation. The decision, made during a Board of Commissioners meeting on Thursday evening, aims to highlight the airport's location on the San Francisco Bay without altering its airport code or visual brand.

The Port Commission President, Barbara Leslie, emphasized the importance of boosting inbound travelers' awareness of Oakland and the East Bay. Leslie stated, "This name will make it clear that OAK is the closest major airport for 4.1 million people, three national laboratories, the top public university in the country, and California's Wine Country."

A second reading and vote on the issue are scheduled for the May 9th board meeting to finalize the name change. However, San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu has confirmed his intention to challenge the decision in court. Chiu expressed disappointment that the Port of Oakland did not collaborate with San Francisco to explore alternative names, stating, "We now have no choice but to take legal action."

In response to the potential lawsuit, the Port of Oakland's attorney, Mary Richardson, released a statement asserting that the proposed renaming does not infringe upon San Francisco International Airport's trademark. Richardson explained that the term "San Francisco" cannot be exclusively claimed by any particular entity, and airports in major metropolitan areas worldwide often coexist. The Port intends to ensure clarity for travelers regarding Oakland's geographic location and distinctiveness.

The controversy surrounding the name change emerged on March 29 when Oakland International Airport officials announced the proposal as a way to attract more passengers to the East Bay region. Although the idea was met with opposition from San Francisco International Airport and the city itself, Oakland International officials defended the change, citing the support of local politicians, including Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao.

Craig Simon, the airport's interim aviation director, emphasized that the modification aims to use the main geographic feature of the region, the San Francisco Bay, to identify the airport's location. Simon clarified that this effort is not about the City and County of San Francisco or San Mateo County, but about promoting job creation in Oakland and throughout the East Bay. He pointed out that no one entity can claim ownership of the title "San Francisco Bay."

Earlier this week, San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu had warned of a potential lawsuit, citing the infringement of trademark rights. Chiu argued that San Francisco International Airport has held the registration of the name for an extended period, making it incontestable under federal law. Furthermore, he asserted that renaming the airport could cause confusion among travelers.

While San Mateo County officials have also voiced opposition to the proposed name change, the Port of Oakland remains resolute in its decision to highlight the airport's connection to the San Francisco Bay. The outcome of the potential lawsuit and the finalization of the name change will be determined in the coming months.