Lilshira
Hyatt and Hilton suspend trademark fight over 'Select' brand
Hyatt and Hilton have agreed to suspend their trademark opposition over the 'Select' brand. The suspension was announced on Friday and applies to the ongoing dispute between the two hotel chains, affecting the use of the Select name in future branding for both existing and upcoming properties.
Dans cet article
Cette actualité n’a pas encore été traduite dans votre langue ; elle est affichée en anglais.
L’essentiel
- What changes
- Hyatt and Hilton have suspended their trademark opposition over the Select brand
- Timing
- Suspension announced on Friday, pending settlement negotiations
- Who is affected
- The trademark dispute between Hyatt and Hilton involving the Select name
Les détails
- Entrée en vigueur
- Friday
- Règle précédente
- Hyatt had filed an opposition to Hilton's attempt to register the name 'Select by Hilton', citing its own 'Hyatt Select' trademark and two pending applications.
- Nouvelle règle
- Both companies have now mutually agreed to suspend the opposition case while they negotiate a settlement.
Background of the naming conflict
Both Hyatt and Hilton operate sub‑brands that incorporate the word “Select.” Hyatt markets its upscale offering as Hyatt Select, while Hilton has sought to introduce a new line called Select by Hilton. The overlap of a common descriptive term has led each chain to protect its brand identity through trademark filings.
- Hyatt Select is an established brand within the Hyatt portfolio
- Select by Hilton was a proposed name for a new Hilton sub‑brand
Legal filings and opposition
Hyatt filed an opposition on Monday with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office's Trademark Trial and Appeal Board, arguing that the proposed Hilton mark would cause consumer confusion with its existing Hyatt Select trademark. The filing also referenced two pending Hyatt applications that cover related naming variations.
- Opposition cited Hyatt Select registration and pending applications
- Case was initially set for review by the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board
Suspension and settlement negotiations
Following the opposition, Hyatt submitted a motion—accepted by Hilton—to suspend the proceeding while the parties explore a settlement. On Friday, spokespeople for both companies released identical statements confirming the mutual decision to pause the action as they work toward an agreeable resolution.
The suspension does not resolve the underlying trademark claims; it merely halts formal proceedings until the companies reach a settlement or decide to resume litigation.
- Both brands consented to the suspension
- Future steps depend on settlement outcomes
Ce que cela change pour les voyageurs
Préparation du voyage
- Existing bookings at Hyatt Select properties remain unchanged
- Reservations at Hilton locations using the Select name continue as scheduled
Coût et documents
- No new fees or paperwork are required for travelers
- Travel insurance and payment terms are unaffected by the trademark dispute
Ce que vous devez faire
- No immediate action is needed for guests of either brand
- Monitor hotel communications for any future branding updates
Qui est concerné
-
Guests at Hyatt Select hotels
Hyatt's trademark opposition directly involves its Select brand
-
Guests at Hilton hotels planning to use the Select by Hilton name
Hilton's attempted registration of the Select name is part of the dispute
-
Travel agents booking Hyatt or Hilton Select properties
Agents may need to be aware of potential branding changes
Questions fréquentes
What is the trademark dispute between Hyatt and Hilton about?
The dispute concerns the use of the word “Select.” Hyatt holds a registered trademark for Hyatt Select and opposes Hilton’s attempt to register the name Select by Hilton, arguing it could cause consumer confusion.
Has the 'Select' name been cancelled for either brand?
No. Both brands retain the right to use their existing names, but the legal opposition has been suspended, so no cancellation or forced rebranding has occurred at this time.
Will my hotel reservation be affected by this trademark fight?
Your reservation will not be affected. The suspension of the trademark case means that current bookings at Hyatt Select and any future Hilton Select by Hilton properties remain valid and unchanged.
When is the trademark case expected to resume?
The parties have agreed to pause the case while they negotiate a settlement. No specific date for resumption has been announced; it will depend on the outcome of those negotiations.
Where can I find official statements from Hyatt and Hilton?
Both companies released identical statements through their spokespersons, confirming the mutual suspension of the trademark action and indicating ongoing settlement discussions.
