Marketing News:
In a move that has sent ripples through the fast-food industry, Taco John’s, the Wyoming-based fast-food chain, has decided to end its decades-long defense of the “Taco Tuesday” trademark. This unexpected decision has now made the beloved term available for public use, marking a significant moment in the world of trademark disputes.
For years, Taco John’s has been synonymous with “Taco Tuesday,” having trademarked the term in the 1980s. The chain has since defended its claim, often sending cease-and-desist letters to other establishments that dared to use the phrase in their promotions. However, this aggressive stance had been met with criticism, with many arguing that the term had become generic and should be available for all to use.
The climax of this dispute was reached when industry giant Taco Bell challenged Taco John’s claim to the phrase. The ensuing legal battle drew national attention, with many in the public and industry circles rooting for the term to be set free.
With Taco John’s decision to relinquish its hold on “Taco Tuesday,” restaurants across the nation are now free to use the term without fear of legal repercussions. This move is expected to lead to a surge in “Taco Tuesday” promotions, much to the delight of taco enthusiasts everywhere.
In a statement, Taco John’s expressed its gratitude for the years of brand loyalty and acknowledged the public’s passion for “Taco Tuesday.” The company stated, “While we have cherished the term, we recognize the broader love for ‘Taco Tuesday’ and believe it’s time for everyone to celebrate it freely.”
Taco John’s plans to donate $40,000, or $100 for each of its 400 restaurants, to Children of Restaurant Employees (CORE), a national nonprofit that supports restaurant industry employees with children who are battling a health crisis, death, or natural disaster.
“We’re challenging our litigious competitors and other taco-loving brands to join us in supporting the people who serve our favorite food to guests across the nation,” by taking up its $100-per-restaurant pledge, Creel said. “Let’s see if our friends at Taco Bell are willing to ‘liberate’ themselves from their army of lawyers by giving back to restaurant families instead,” estimating that would amount to a $720,000 donation.
As the sun sets on this trademark dispute, taco lovers can rejoice in the knowledge that “Taco Tuesday” is now, truly, for everyone.
