October 2002 - Northwest Airlines asks NWA FCU for an expanded business relationship to assist the company through some very challenging financial times. December 2002 - Northwest hires attorney from Leonard, Street and Deinard, which launches an inquiry into NWA FCU trademark. January 23, 2003 - Northwest Airlines files for cancellation of NWA FCU trademark with the U. S. Patent and Trademark Office. March 13, 2003 - NWA FCU notifies Northwest Airlines that due to the pending legal disputes launched by Northwest regarding the trademark and threatened damage to the credit union, it is reevaluating Northwest's request for an expanded business relationship. March 14, 2003 - Northwest asks credit union to pay 8% of gross revenues to Northwest, cancels employee benefits, cancels employee pension, cancels employee 401K program, cancels employee payroll processing, asks for increases in other fees, increases cost of leased space for offices and ATMs, and adds unspecified and material cost demand for the use of NWA FCU registered trademark. March 28, 2003 - NWA FCU tells Northwest payments are impermissible for a federal credit union. April 2, 2003 - Northwest goes public with announcement of new livery that prominently uses the letters "NWA". April 4, 2003 - Northwest gives credit union notice of non-renewal for office and ATM space. April 25, 2003 - NWA FCU notifies employees of pending changes in their employment situation and sends "courtesy copy" to Northwest. May 2, 2003 - NCUA issues memo to NWA FCU noting that payments requested by Northwest Airlines are impermissible. Copy sent to Northwest. May 28, 2003 - On advice of counsel to protect NWA FCU trademark, credit union notifies U.S. Bank of concern about possible confusion in the use of "NWA" for financial services delivery. The credit union asks U.S. Bank to take "suitable steps to prevent confusion in the marketplace" when using the letters "NWA" in the marketing of the WorldPerks Visa card. July 1, 2003 - Northwest elevates trademark action against NWA FCU to U.S. District Court. December 31, 2003 - Northwest terminates all 300 Northwest employees working at Credit Union. January 1, 2004 - NWA FCU hires terminated Northwest employees and purchases benefits and pension programs independent of Northwest. SOURCE: NWA Federal Credit Union