KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) has launched a lawsuit against a newly-registered entity that it accused of deliberate trademark infringement.
MATTA issued a letter of demand through its lawyers to Persatuan Agensi Pelancong Malaysia (Malaysia Association Tour Agency or MATA), demanding MATA cease and desist using the infringing mark and infringing name.
It also demanded a public apology to be published in leading national newspapers in Malaysia, failing which MATTA will instruct its solicitors to commence legal proceedings.
MATTA, which has a 44-year history, boasts a membership of more than 3,600 member companies that are travel agencies and tour operators licensed by Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia. It is the only official association for tour and travel agents in Malaysia.
The new entity MATA indicated that it is an association for tour agencies and welcomes membership from any individual aged 18 and above who are involved in the tourism sector.
According to MATTA, the new entity has “caused confusion in the marketplace which has resulted in complaints being made to MATTA”.
MATTA is also seeking an explanation from the Malaysia’s Registrar of Society (ROS) on how the registration of MATA could have been allowed and has also instructed its solicitors to look into this issue.
Source: https://www.travelweekly-asia.com/Travel-News/Tour-Operators/MATTA-sues-new-travel-association-for-trademark-infringement?utm_source=enews&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=TWAedaily