In what could only be described as another David & Goliath battle, the accommodation booking giant Airbnb which is estimated to be worth over USD 30 Billion has threatened to take action against a start-up on the island Barbados for launching an airport transfer service under the name of Airbnb Airport Shuttle (AirbnbShuttle.com).
The person at the center of this battle with Airbnb is a local Barbados entrepreneur, Mr. Charles Lewis (a.k.a Charlie Spice) who is the also the founder of Charlie Spice Experience (CharlieSpice.com), the world’s most exclusive, lifestyles club for adult entertainment.
Spice says, “It was never my intention to infringe on the trade mark rights of Airbnb Inc. When I launched the airport shuttle service exclusively for Airbnb Guests, I instinctively called it Airbnb Airport Shuttle. It is also stated on our website that the Airbnb Airport Shuttle is not owned, financed, sponsored, endorsed or operated by Airbnb Inc”
In response to a cease and desist letter was sent from attorney, David Caplan from Kilpatrick Townsend, Attorneys At Law in Beverly Hills, California, Charlie Spice is now taking counsel from top Barbados Attorney, Mr. Adrian King (QC) on these trademark infringement allegations.
SOource: Charles Lewis
