Caribbean Airline EZAir to Rebrand Amidst Trademark Dispute with easyGroup
Curaçao-based regional carrier EZAir (7Z, Bonaire) has announced plans to undergo a rebranding following a legal complaint from easyGroup Holdings, the owner of the renowned “easy” trademarks, including easyJet (London Luton). The move aims to mitigate the risk of legal action over alleged trademark infringement.
EZAir received a cease-and-desist letter from easyGroup, accusing the airline of violating intellectual property rights and demanding an immediate halt to ticket sales for flights to Colombia for British, European, and American passengers. To avoid protracted and costly legal battles, EZAir has opted for rebranding.
René Winkel, CEO of EZAir, expressed disagreement with easyGroup’s position but acknowledged the airline’s financial constraints in challenging a well-capitalized group. The rebranding process will involve selecting a new trade name, with the legal entity, organizational structure, and flight operations remaining unchanged. The airline assures passengers that its commitment to delivering a high-quality product and comfortable flights will persist.
Winkel emphasized EZAir’s confidence in maintaining its strong market position despite the rebranding. The airline is already well-established on its routes and intends to continue providing reliable services to its customers.
The legal dispute reflects easyGroup’s proactive approach to protecting its brand names, with a history of pursuing legal action against entities it believes are infringing on its trademarks. EasyGroup has previously settled infringement lawsuits and engaged in legal battles to safeguard its family of brand names. The group’s diversified portfolio includes easyCar, easyHotel, easyTrain, easyMoney, easyEmail, easyTaxi, and numerous others.
As EZAir prepares for rebranding, the airline’s leadership remains committed to ensuring a seamless transition for its customers and preserving its market position in the Caribbean region.