THE take-off of Qantas’ low-cost airline Jetstar has run into problems, with US-based virtual airline JetStar International Airlines launching legal action over claims of trademark and copyright infringement of its logo and livery.
Melbourne agency Dewey & Horton (which was appointed to the Jetstar account in late 2003) this week distanced itself from the controversy, while Qantas denied any wrongdoing.
“Qantas has not copied any website, logo design or airline name,” a spokesperson said.
But JetStar International Airlines is taking the stoush to the United States District Court, maintaining the airline’s arrival has generated confusion in the marketplace.
JetStar International CEO Gene Bordelon said more than 100,000 unwanted visitors almost crashed the company’s website following the Australian airline’s offer of cheap airline tickets earlier this year.
“JetStar Airlines has been sidetracked by the recent onslaught of thousands of unwanted requests for plane tickets from the Qantas/Jetstar promotions,” Bordelon said.
“It is unbelievable that Qantas would come up with the same name, essentially the same logo design and substantially the same silver livery as ours by chance.
“Qantas and their ad agency also recognised this.”
