Last week, KFC accused Church’s Texas Chicken of violating its trademark rights when its fried chicken competitor began using the words “Original Recipe” in its advertising and promotions.
KFC claimed in a lawsuit that beginning September 30, it noticed Church’s “abruptly” began using the phrase and ignored KFC’s October 24 letter objecting to the ads.
In the disputed promotions, Church’s posted photos of its fried chicken deals with text above reading: “our original recipe is back.”The phrase, which KFC has been using for over half a century, “is likely to create confusion in the marketplace and dilute the ORIGINAL RECIPE® Mark,” the lawsuit, which was filed in US District Court in Texas, said.
But when it comes to fried chicken, KFC also has to compete with Church’s Texas Chicken, Popeyes, Raising Cane’s, Zaxby’s and more.
KFC’s “Original Recipe” trademark, which it says is a secret blend of 11 herbs and spices, has long been part of the company’s branding.
Persons:
Church’s, Church’s “, ”, ’, David Gibbs, ” Gibbs, Texas, KFC’s
Organizations:
New, New York CNN, KFC, Court, Brands, “
Locations:
New York, Texas