We previously posted about the dispute between the National Park Service and Yosemite’s former concessionaire, Delaware North, over the trademark ownership of many historic Yosemite sites, including the Ahwahnee Hotel, Badger Pass, and Curry Village.

As of today, a new concessionaire officially takes over for Delaware North.  However, due to its ongoing trademark dispute with Delaware North, Yosemite has renamed many of its recreational areas to more uncontroversial names.  Have a reservation for the Ahwahnee Hotel?  You’re now staying at the Majestic Yosemite Hotel.  Hitting the slopes at Badger Pass?  Welcome to the Yosemite Ski & Snowboard Area.  Camping in Curry Village?  I think you mean Half Dome Village.

Those wedded to the old Yosemite names shouldn’t abandon all hope.  The name changes may only be temporary, depending on the outcome of any settlement agreement, litigation, or other contractual arrangement between the Park Service, Delaware North, and the new concessionaire.  But any workable solution may proceed at a glacial pace, given that Delaware North previously demanded $51 million in exchange for the rights to the names, while the Park Service only valued the trademarks at $3.5 million.