California Lawmakers Propose Ban On Trademarking State Parks
SACRAMENTO (CBS SF/AP) -- California lawmakers want to protect state parks from trademark claims like the one that will result in renamed landmarks in Yosemite National Park.
Democratic Assemblymen Ken Cooley of Rancho Cordova and Adam Gray of Merced along with Republican Assemblyman Frank Bigelow of O'Neals announced AB2249 on Monday.
The Sacramento Bee reports that the bill would prohibit concessionaires from claiming ownership of a name associated with a California state park.
It would not affect federal landmarks, including the iconic hotels and attractions soon to be renamed in Yosemite.
A recreation company that formerly operated in Yosemite placed trademark protections on Curry Village, the Ahwahnee Hotel and other well-known Yosemite attractions, then sued for compensation.
The National Park Service announced last month that it will change the names March 1.
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