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‘Ski Town’ vs. ‘Ski City’ lawsuit ends in settlement

Posted at 3:07 PM, Nov 14, 2014
and last updated 2014-11-14 17:07:46-05

SALT LAKE CITY – A lawsuit filed against Visit Salt Lake regarding a “Ski City USA” marketing campaign has been settled, officials announced Friday.

Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation had sued Visit Salt Lake, alleging the campaign infringed on Steamboat’s Ski Town, U.S.A. trademark.

The lawsuit was filed earlier this year and called the marketing campaign “confusingly similar” to the existing trademark.

A press release from Visit Salt Lake states the marketing campaign will be revised, “in a manner that is acceptable to the parties. All other terms of the settlement are confidential.”

The press release did not indicate what other terms the settlement may have involved and did not offer specific details relating to how the campaign would be revised.

Rob Perlman, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Steamboat Ski & Resort Corporation, said they were glad to reach a settlement.

“We are pleased to have resolved this matter amicably before the start of the winter season and I want to thank Visit Salt Lake for working with us so quickly,” he stated in the press release. “Steamboat appreciates Visit Salt Lake’s willingness to revise their campaign in order to address the concerns that resulted in the court filing.”

Scott Beck, president and chief executive officer for Visit Salt Lake, also commented on the deal.

He stated: “The Ski City campaign is unique and will continue to promote a distinct alternative experience —the benefits of an urban community teeming with restaurants, professional sports teams, cultural offerings, abundant hotel options, etc., all within minutes of numerous world-class resorts and an international airport. Visit Salt Lake recognizes that towns like Steamboat Springs are iconic in what they offer to winter enthusiasts and is pleased to reach an agreement on this matter to further distinguish these two unique locations.”

Related story: Visit Salt Lake, ski resorts sued over ‘Ski City USA’ Campaign