Cathedral City has resolved a legal dispute with Fantasy Balloon Flights, a Palm Springs-based business, over the use of the city’s trademarks and logo. The conflict centered on advertising for an event that competed with the annual Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival.
According to a statement from Cathedral City, Fantasy Balloon Flights repeatedly used the city’s trademarks and logo in its promotions. In response, Cathedral City filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court seeking to halt this activity. However, the court’s request for a preliminary injunction became unnecessary after Fantasy Balloon Flights voluntarily stopped using the materials.
U.S. District Judge Sunshine S. Sykes issued a ruling on September 4 noting that Fantasy Balloon Flights informed the court it had ceased the unauthorized advertising as soon as it learned about the lawsuit.
“Our legal action achieved exactly what we intended—stopping the trademark misuse that was creating confusion for residents, sponsors, and potential visitors,” said Ryan Hunt, the festival’s communications and events manager, in the statement. “The federal court confirmed that Fantasy Balloon Flights has completely abandoned these deceptive practices and made binding promises to never resume them.”
The business previously served as third-party operator for the festival but lost its contract last year following a competitive bidding process.
Mandatory settlement discussions between both parties are scheduled to take place no later than October 31 before Magistrate Judge David T. Bristow.
This year’s Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival is set for November 21–23.
