KFC Sues Church’s Texas Chicken For Battering Its ‘Original Recipe’ Trademark
Photos 263122600 © Siarhei Kuranets and 154531102 © Jonathan Weiss | Dreamstime.com
KFC has long brought the heat to the fast-food arena, but this time, it’s doing so with more than just secret spices and crispy skin. Colonel Sanders’ brainchild has filed a lawsuit against Church’s Texas Chicken, accusing it of violating its trademarks over the phrase “original recipe.”
The complaint, lodged in the US District Court in Texas, argues that Church’s use of “original recipe” in its advertising could mislead consumers into thinking there’s a connection between the two chicken chains and that Church’s products are endorsed by KFC.
KFC, whose combination of 11 herbs and spices is one of the food industry’s most precious trade secrets, has held the trademark for this phrase since 1984, arguing that any sizzle or scent of confusion in the marketplace dilutes the brand’s crisp reputation.
KFC sued Church's Chicken in E.D. Texas alleging trademark infringement of its ORIGINAL RECIPE mark. pic.twitter.com/IVtpWNeaJU
— Trademarks Are Fun® (@TMsAreFun) November 11, 2024
The dispute kicked off when KFC noticed Church’s marketing materials featuring the phrase back in September 2024. Despite sending a letter of objection in October, KFC claims that Church’s ignored its concerns, which prompted the legal action.
Church’s Texas Chicken recently announced the revival of its “original recipe,” which it claims dates back to 1952. KFC, watching from the other wing, seems to take this claim seriously, stressing that the “original recipe” is a cornerstone of its branding.
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Speaking to Reuters, a KFC spokesperson expressed the brand’s commitment to protecting its intellectual property, asserting that it “[takes] it personally” when others try “to claim our iconic taste and branding as their own.”
Church’s Texas Chicken, currently in the fryer of litigation, has opted to remain tight-lipped, citing ongoing proceedings.
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[via USA Today, CBS News, Soap Central, Reuters, images via various sources]
