Crowell & Moring Secures Victory for Marriott International in High-Profile Jury Trial

Opponent issues public apology

Washington – November 2, 2021: Marriott International has announced that TravelPass Group has withdrawn its antitrust claims against the hotel chain after five days of trial before a jury in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. Crowell & Moring was honored to represent Marriott in this action involving TravelPass’s antitrust claims alleging a conspiracy between hotels regarding the bidding for online hotel branded keywords and Marriott’s counterclaims alleging trademark infringement and false advertising claims.

In a public statement issued at the conclusion of this matter, Marriott noted that TravelPass absolved the company of any unlawful activity and issued a public apology:

“Marriott is pleased to announce that TravelPass Group has withdrawn its antitrust claims against Marriott after 5 days of trial before a jury in the United States Federal Court for the Eastern District of Texas.

In connection with the dismissal of its claims, TravelPass Group has issued the following statement:

‘TravelPass Group has decided today to withdraw its claims against Marriott International pending in the United States Federal Court for the Eastern District of Texas ending the jury trial that began on Monday October 25, 2021 prior to any verdict. In doing so, TravelPass acknowledges that Marriott did not participate in any unlawful activity or engage in any conspiracy. TravelPass further extends a public apology to Marriott and the Marriott family for any harm to Marriott’s reputation stemming from TravelPass’s allegations.’

Marriott would like to thank the community of Texarkana, Texas and especially the individuals who dutifully served on the jury in this case.”

Marriott was represented in this matter by  Jeffrey L. Poston, David Ervin, Jordan Ludwig and Britton Davis of Crowell & Moring LLP, Shari Ross Lahlou of Dechert LLP, and Jennifer Doan of Halton & Doan LLP.

About Crowell & Moring LLP

Crowell & Moring LLP is an international law firm with offices in the United States, Europe, MENA, and Asia that represents clients in litigation and arbitration, regulatory and policy, and transactional and corporate matters. The firm is internationally recognized for its representation of Fortune 500 companies in high-stakes litigation and government-facing matters, as well as its ongoing commitment to pro bono service and diversity, equity, and inclusion.