Cendant Consolidates Ramada U.S. Trademark Rights

On 02/04/2004, Cendant Corporation exercised its option to redeem Marriott International's interest in Two Flags, a joint venture associated with ownership of the Ramada brand's United States trademark rights. The transaction formed part of the corporate arrangements governing Ramada's brand ownership following earlier acquisitions and licensing agreements. Cendant, which operated a substantial hotel franchising business, already managed Ramada's domestic franchise operations. Redeeming Marriott's interest consolidated control of the relevant U.S. trademarks under Cendant, reducing the shared ownership arrangements between the two hospitality companies. The transaction occurred while Ramada's international brand interests remained subject to separate arrangements involving Marriott. The distinction between domestic trademark ownership and international brand rights had developed through changes in Ramada's corporate ownership during the 1980s and 1990s. Cendant's action concerning Two Flags was separate from its subsequent acquisition of Ramada International rights later in 2004. Together, these transactions moved Ramada toward a more unified global brand structure, with Cendant controlling the United States trademark interests and subsequently obtaining the international rights.