It prohibits the online platform from using trademarks owned by the Filipino carrier and sell its flights.
In a disclosure made by Cebu Pacific (CEB) to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) said that the Malaysian High Court has issued a decision on kys legal challenge against MOVE Travel Sdn. Bhd. (also known as AirAsia MOVE).
According to the airline, it started yhe legal proceedings in the High Court of Malaya at Kuala Lumpur against MOVE in June 2024.
Specifically, they filed the case for “passing off” and sought to restrain MOVE from using the Cebu Pacific and Cebgo trademarks, as well as from distributing, offering for sale, or selling flight tickets bearing the both trademarks without CEB’s authorization.
Cebu Pacific stressed that it has “never authorized MOVE” to use the both trademarks or to distribute or sell its flight tickets through the platform.
Hence, the Malaysian High Court has allowed Cebu Pacific’s claim against MOVE and held the platform liable for passing-off and Cebu Pacific successfully obtained, among other reliefs.
The Court also issued an injunction restraining MOVE from using the Cebu Pacific and Cebgo trademarks and from distributing, offering for sale or selling Cebu Pacific flights through its travel booking platform.
“In other words, MOVE is not entitled to use the Cebu Pacific and Cebgo trademarks or to distribute, offer for sale, or sell Cebu Pacific flights bearing those trademarks without Cebu Pacific’s authorization,” noted the airline.
The High Court also held that the Cebu Pacfic and Cebgo trademarks are well-known trademarks.
Thus, the High Court ordered MOVE to pay RM120,000 (approximately PHP1.8 million) in costs to Cebu Pacific, with the Court awarding damages to Cebu Pacific — the quantum of which will be assessed in separate proceedings.
Cebu Pacific, however, noted in its disclosure that it “remains supportive” of travel platforms and partners that use the Cebu Pacific and Cebgo trademarks and distribute, offer to sell or sell airline tickets bearing their trademarks, “provided that they do so with Cebu Pacific’s proper authorization.”
Lastly, the airline also issued a reminder to passengers. It told, “booking directly with Cebu Pacific remains the best way to access the airline’s lowest fares and latest promos, manage bookings easily, receive direct flight notifications, and enjoy a smoother customer experience.”
MOVE has not yet issued a statement as of this writing.
