Trademark row brings Mantra closer to OTAs

Trademark row brings Mantra closer to OTAs
By admin


Tension between Mantra and a group of online retailers over alleged infringement of trademarks has now been resolved, with the hotel firm revealing the dispute has actually strengthened its relationships with those concerned.

In October, the hotel group sent a stern message to agents that it alleged were damaging the integrity of its trademarks or brands by diverting its online traffic. It vowed to cut them off or pursue legal action if they persisted.

The agents in question were instructed to stop placing bids for any of Mantra's trademarks or brands, not to use "negative phrase match functionality" with relevant search engine providers, and to immediately cease using its trademarks and brands in URLs.

Executive director of sales, marketing and distribution Kent Davidson told Travel Today that the last few weeks had posed several challenges with the hotel firm forced to close access to rated inventory over a period of time while it waited for the offenders to comply.

But eventually they addressed the concerns, with Davidson confirming that Mantra is “happy” with the end result. He even thanked the agents for their “understanding and commitment” to ongoing business relationships.

 “They received the information from us in the spirit that it was intended and have complied with our requests,” he said.

“It has also opened up a more collaborative approach to the way we do business together and has been a catalyst to meet and discuss various aspects of our partnerships.”

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