The travel booking giant Expedia Group won a federal civil court case in Miami on Monday against two Cuban American plaintiffs who claimed the company exploited hotels and land confiscated by the Cuban government after the 1959 revolution. The plaintiffs sought damages under the 1996 Helms-Burton Act, which allows naturalized American citizens to sue companies that traffic in property seized from their families in Cuba. They argued Expedia facilitated bookings at five hotels on land seized by the Cuban government. However, the jury found the plaintiffs lacked concrete proof of ownership or official confiscation records for the properties. A spokesperson for Expedia said, "We're pleased with the jury's finding, which affirms the position we've held all along."

The company maintained its business was conducted under authorized travel licenses issued during the Obama administration. This marks Expedia's second legal victory over Cuba-related claims, following a win last year in a lawsuit seeking over $1.7 billion in damages. The case highlighted the tension between Cuban American families seeking restitution and Expedia's position that its actions were legally compliant commerce.

Lawyers for the plaintiffs, including Andres Rivero, argued the defendants used properties in league with Cuban communist partners. Expedia's lawyers, including David Shank, contended the company did not knowingly traffic in the property and ceased bookings once claims were discovered. John Kavulich of the U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council noted dozens of similar claims remain in motion, with two headed to the Supreme Court.

Experts say the verdict underscores obstacles Cuban Americans face when pursuing claims involving assets expropriated decades ago. Paolo Spadoni of Augusta University noted the fundamental challenge is establishing legally cognizable property rights rather than proving economic benefits were derived from expropriated properties.