Opinion ID: 6928544
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: USA Travel Planner

Text: Since 1983, Ashbyweb has sold, promoted, distributed, and solicited advertisements for a travel directory similar to OAG’s travel guide. Ashbyweb’s directory was distributed in Europe and the Middle East under the names “THE TRAVEL PLANNER USA,” “USA TRAVEL PLANNER,” and “THE TRAVEL PLANNER.” Ashbyweb has known of OAG’s directory for over twenty years. Ashbyweb’s directory, however, unlike OAG’s guide, was not distributed in the United States. Ashbyweb’s first corporate sponsor was Trans World Airlines, which agreed to underwrite Ashbyweb’s publication. TWA’s name appeared in the title of the first edition, but only on the cover and spine of the next edition, which was called “THE TRAVEL PLANNER USA.” TWA’s stationery was used initially to solicit advertisements and listing information from hotels, motels, automobile rental agencies and other travel service organizations. Ashbyweb then obtained its listings and solicited advertisements, without TWA stationery, by sending forms to various travel-related establishments. These forms, with the heading “THE TRAVEL PLANNER,” made no mention of either TWA or Church-field publications, Ashbyweb’s predecessor. In addition to targeting (like OAG) hotels, ear rental agencies and airline offices, Ashby-web sent forms (unlike OAG) to charter bus lines, rail lines, tourist attractions, RV rental agencies, and nátional parks. In contrast to OAG’s guide, which is pitched to the American domestic traveler, Ashbyweb’s directory was designed for the use of foreigners travelling to the United States. The listings are organized by state; OAG’s guide is organized by city. Ashby-web’s guide lists Watts line or direct dial phone numbers for the establishments; OAG’s directory contains a section of “800” numbers, dialable only in the United States. Ashbyweb’s directory, unlike OAG’s, contains information on travel documents and Bed' and Breakfasts, European-style lodging. Ashbyweb sold its directory in bulk and not through individual subscriptions. Between 1984 and 1986, TWA distributed copies to travel agents in Europe to encourage agents to book their clients on TWA. Pan American Airlines did the same for the 1987-88 directory, the last directory published by Ashbyweb. Ashbyweb ceased publication pending resolution of this litigation.