Here’s how to channel your anger and take action against the Yosemite trademark raiders

Lewis Perdue & some of his illegal gear. Right-click photo to enlarge.

Bandits have made off with Yosemite: The corporate grab behind the Yosemite Park trademark clash.

Now, the Park Service has finally pushed back: U.S. steps up fight over Yosemite names, asking trademarks be canceled.

This misappropriation of government property by Delaware North (DN) has outraged millions of Americans.

Until now, most of us who are burn-them-at-the-stake angry have felt frustrated by feeling of helplessness at the legal maneuvering that made off with public property.

This is the first in a series of articles that reveal who DN is, what they own and control and what the average person can do to strike back.

Remember: Millions of people taking small actions worth even a dollar or two can stand up to billionaire bullies with no conscience.

The faces of trademark hijackers

These are their faces (below). The leader is DN Chairman and #421 on Forbes Richest: Jeremy Jacobs, Sr. (third from left).

Right-click photo to enlarge

Legal can be unethical

Understand, what they have done is technically legal: they filed a trademark on something they had no right to.

Regardless, this is a textbook example of the wide gulf that can exist between actions that are technically legal and those that are unethical and immoral.

This action demonstrates that Delaware North lives in one of those amoral worlds where “do the right thing” is not part of the corporate credo.

To be sure, many very large corporations do act responsibly. But despite DN’s attempts to portray itself as a responsible corporate citizen, the Yosemite heist shows its true nature.

Citizens are not helpless: Plenty of opportunities to strike back

First of all, it’s vital to recognize that DN is so big, that you can’t really avoid them.

The flip side of that there are a goldmine of opportunities to express your displeasure by NOT spending your money with them.

In fact, there are so many tactics for the general public to use, that this opening post is one of many to come.

Global reach

The global extent of their reach can be found listed here: Industries.

According to their web page, the company is involved in:

Lodging, retail, food service, recreation and transportation services at a lot of parks across the U.S. (not just Yosemite.)




Regional casino destinations with video gaming machines, table games, poker




Luxury resorts in Australia, the United States and Canada


Restaurant and catering company (including a huge number of airports)


300+ retail stores and shops in stadiums, ballparks, arenas, national and state parks, luxury resorts, cultural attractions, airports, toll plazas, open-air marketplaces and regional destination casinos.

Check the DN interactive map to avoid them as best you can!

Here’s how the average person can fight back

Yosemite and other park visitors:

Visit the parks. You paid for them and you own them! America is filled with beauty.

But check the Parks page and the DN interactive map to see if DN is involved before you go .

If DN is involved:

Avoid food and other concessions in the park. Stock up before you get there to avoid being hungry or thirsty.
Do not stay at their hotels. Find suitable lodging in nearby communities.
If you were planning to stay at a DN hotel, choose camping as an option. That way you avoid contributing to DN revenues.
If you are a backpacker, enjoy the park by using trailheads on nearby National Forest or BLM land.
Buy tee-shirts, hats and other apparel and souvenirs online or at honest, independent retailers in nearby towns.
Go ahead and buy bootleg gear on eBay and other places that have retained the proper names that belong to the public: Curry Village, Ahwahnee etc. Your taxes paid for those parks and their names. The true bootlegger here is DN.

Airport visitors:

Avoid food and other concessions in the airport. Stock up before you get there to avoid being hungry or thirsty.
Don’t buy ANYTHING you don’t have to. We all know the mark-ups are felonious.

Here’s a sampling of DN airports. Check the DN interactive map before you fly.

Culture Vultures: DN runs a lot of concessions at cultural venues. There are a HUGE number of far better establishments in SF to patronize. Just say no to DN.

Hockey fans: Wear your Yosemite logo clothing and hats to games.

Tweet your actions. Upload Instagram photos.
Let local media know that you are standing up for Yosemite and against theft of public property.
The family that controls Delaware North also owns the Boston Bruins. Shame the family by being Yosemite visible.
When your team pays the Bruins, don’t take it out on them or their fans. They’re victims in their own ways.

Bruins & Celtics Fans:

Cheer on your teams. They deserve your support. Yeah, DN owns the Bruins too, but think of the players, coaches and others. They had nothing to do with the Yosemite heist.
Avoid all concessions for any purchase at any event at TD Garden. DN owns it.
Sure, it’s hard avoiding all the over-priced food and drink at the arena. But try to cut your purchases in half. It will be good for your wallet and send a message.
Do not buy your team logo gear at the stadium. There are plenty of other retailers.

Fans of all sports:

Wear your Yosemite logo clothing and hats to games.

Delaware North is SO big, it’s hard to avoid them regardless of where you are.

In fact, they are SO BIG you can’t even get all their business locations on their own interactive map! (Sydney, Melbourne are missing in the screen cap, below.)

Click map to view larger image. Or go to the DN interactive map to see for yourself.

Here are a couple of their “featured properties.” Remember to minimize concession purchases here.