In a surprising turn of events, KFC (Yum! Brands) has decided to drop its trademark lawsuit against Church’s Texas Chicken regarding the use of the phrase “Original Recipe” in its advertising. On Tuesday, KFC filed a motion to dismiss the case without prejudice in a Texas federal court, signaling an end to the legal dispute – for now. The decision leaves open the possibility that KFC could refile the lawsuit at a later date.
The case began when KFC, known for its iconic “Original Recipe” fried chicken, accused its competitor Church’s of using the same phrase in advertisements for its own fried chicken. KFC has been using the trademarked phrase “Original Recipe” since 1972 to promote its signature blend of herbs and spices. In September, Church’s Texas Chicken launched ads featuring the slogan “Our Original Recipe Is Back” to market its chicken legs and thighs.
KFC claimed the use of the phrase could confuse consumers and damage the distinctive value of its brand, leading the company to file a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas last month. The complaint sought an unspecified amount of monetary damages and a court order preventing Church’s from continuing to use the “Original Recipe” phrase in its marketing.
Despite the lawsuit, Church’s did not formally respond to the allegations, and as of now, there has been no public indication that the matter has been settled. Legal teams for both parties have not provided additional details about the decision to drop the case or if there are ongoing negotiations between the companies.
The case highlights the ongoing competition in the fast-food industry, where branding and intellectual property remain crucial to maintaining a unique market identity. For KFC, the term “Original Recipe” has long been a cornerstone of its brand image, while Church’s Texas Chicken continues to grow its presence in the competitive fried chicken sector.
Legal experts will likely continue to monitor the situation, as the legal concept of trademark protection and consumer confusion remains a key area of interest in intellectual property law.
Read more: