"Expedia's media blitz of 'Travelling Troll' ads infringes on Travelocity's trademark 'Roaming Gnome' promotion," say lawyers representing Travelocity. Salt Lake City, UT -- Laywers representing online firm Travelocity have filed a suit in the federal court system today, alleging that competitor Expedia is unfairly copying Travelocity's 'Roaming Gnome' with a copycat set of ads featuring a 'Traveling Troll'.
Travelocity has valid US and European Union trademarks for their 'Roaming Gnome' mascot. The gnome, featured in Travelocity radio and television ads, has been abducted by vacationing hostage-takers and is subjected to incredible airline ticket costs and unbeatable hotel deals.
A spokesperson for Expedia denied allegations of producing copycat advertisements. The spokesperson told reporters that Expedia has been advertising for more a year now with the 'Traveling Troll' ads in Australia and the South Pacific, and just recently expanded the ad campaign to the United States.
"If anything, it is Travelocity who has copied us, not vice versa," said the spokesperson. "Travelocity unveiled their gnome ad campaign only a few months ago, while we have been running our troll campaign for more than a year." According to the spokesperson, Expedia will request that the judge drop the case, and has threatened to countersue Travelocity.
