American Airlines, Inc. V. Skiplagged, Inc.
Summary: The legal action initiated by American Airlines, Inc. against Skiplagged, Inc. in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Texas centers on allegations of unauthorized ticket sales and deceptive practices. American Airlines asserts that Skiplagged has been selling tickets for its flights without the necessary authorization, often leading to consumers paying more than they would have if they had booked directly with American Airlines or through an authorized agent. The lawsuit further alleges that Skiplagged has violated the terms of use for AA.com, American's official website, by exploiting its content for commercial purposes. This includes the unauthorized use of American's fare, schedule, and inventory data, which American Airlines contends disrupts its operations and poses a security risk. Moreover, American Airlines alleges that Skiplagged has breached the AA.com Use Agreement and Conditions of Carriage by marketing and selling tickets for its flights. Skiplagged is also accused of encouraging American passengers to breach the Conditions of Carriage agreement with American, violating federal statutory and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, and infringing upon the American Marks. American Airlines further accuses Skiplagged of fraudulent practices, alleging that Skiplagged advertises lower fares than AA.com but ultimately charges customers more due to additional fees. For instance, Skiplagged advertised a flight for $441, but added a $20 fee at the time of booking, bringing the total cost to $459.40. The lawsuit aims to safeguard American's investment in its intellectual property, including trademarks and copyrights registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and in numerous other countries. American Airlines alleges that Skiplagged has been misusing and displaying American data and using American Marks to sell tickets for its flights without proper authorization.
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