What was the airport name dispute between San Francisco and Oakland about?

The dispute was over the Port of Oakland's plan to rename its airport "San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport," which San Francisco argued would infringe on its trademark and confuse travelers.

What is the new name for Oakland's airport?

The Port of Oakland will now use the name "Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport" following the settlement.

What are the limitations on Oakland's airport name?

The agreement limits the Port of Oakland's usage of the terms "San Francisco" and "International" in its airport's name.

Home / Business and Economy / San Francisco & Oakland Settle Airport Name Row

San Francisco & Oakland Settle Airport Name Row

29 Apr

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Summary

San Francisco and Oakland settled trademark dispute over airport name.
Oakland airport can use 'Oakland San Francisco Bay Airport'.
Usage of 'San Francisco' and 'International' is limited for Oakland.

San Francisco & Oakland Settle Airport Name Row

A trademark dispute between the City of San Francisco and the Port of Oakland concerning the naming of Oakland's airport has been settled. The agreement allows the Port of Oakland to officially name its airport "Oakland ⁠San Francisco Bay Airport".

This settlement resolves a legal challenge initiated by San Francisco in April 2025, after the Port of Oakland announced plans to rename its airport. San Francisco argued that the proposed name, "San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport," would cause confusion with its own San Francisco International Airport.