San Francisco wins order blocking Oakland's airport from using 'San Francisco' name

A U.S. judge on Tuesday temporarily blocked the Port of Oakland from using "San Francisco" in the Oakland airport's name, finding the name change would likely cause consumer confusion and harm the city of San Francisco. U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas Hixson said in the decision that changing the name of Metropolitan Oakland International Airport in nearby Oakland to "San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport" would likely mislead consumers into thinking it is connected with San Francisco. A spokesperson for the Port of Oakland said the port is "continuing to review the recent ruling and considering all available options." Spokespeople for San Francisco did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the decision. The Port of Oakland announced plans in March to change the name of its airport, which its board of commissioners unanimously approved in May. San Francisco sued Oakland for infringing its airport's trademarks in April, arguing the Oakland airport's similar new name would confuse travelers. It asked in September for a preliminary order forcing the port to stop using the new name, which Hixson granted on Tuesday.<br/>