Malaysian High Court stops MOVE Travel Sdn Bhd from using CEBU PACIFIC, CEBGO trademarks

The High Court of Malaya at Kuala Lumpur has stopped MOVE Travel Sdn Bhd from using CEBU PACIFIC and CEBGO trademark or selling flight tickets through the platform.

In a press statement, Cebu Pacific (CEB) said the ruling stemmed from a legal proceedings initiated by the CEB in June 2024 seeking to restrain MOVE from using the CEBU PACIFIC and CEBGO trademarks and from distributing, offering for sale, or selling flight tickets bearing the CEBU PACIFIC and CEBGO trademarks without Cebu Pacific’s authorization.

Cebu Pacific has never authorized MOVE to use the CEBU PACIFIC and CEBGO trademarks or to distribute or sell its flight tickets through the platform.

The High Court allowed Cebu Pacific’s claim against MOVE. In particular:

1. The High Court held that MOVE is liable for passing-off;
2. Cebu Pacific successfully obtained, among other reliefs, 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;
3. The High Court also held that the CEBU PACIFIC and CEBGO Trademarks are well-known trademarks.

The High Court further ordered MOVE to pay RM120,000 in costs to Cebu Pacific. The Court also awarded damages to Cebu Pacific, the quantum of which will be assessed in separate proceedings.

Cebu Pacific 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 the CEBU PACIFIC and CEBGO trademarks, provided that they do so with Cebu Pacific’s proper authorization.

The airline also reminds passengers that 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.