Aspen Scrambles To Retain "America's Downhill" Trademark For World Cup Finals

The FIS World Cup Finals begin today in Aspen, and Aspen Skiing Co. was able to file a "new application for a trademark and service mark for America's Downhill" several months before the event, according to Scott Condon of the ASPEN TIMES. The application, which was filed in October, said that SkiCo "planned to use the name on clothing merchandise." SkiCo "held a trademark on the name of the premier alpine ski racing event" from December '85 until January '15, when it was "considered 'abandoned'" by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. SkiCo "scrambled to get it back" after the Int'l Ski Federation confirmed in June that Aspen "would host the World Cup Finals, one of alpine ski racing's prestige events." SkiCo PR Dir Jeff Hanle said that the only mention of "America's Downhill" is on caps "being sold with the Aspen World Cup Finals logo on the front" (ASPEN TIMES, 3/15).