Taco Tuesday Trademark Tussle: New Jersey Restaurant Owner Takes on Taco Bell

In the heartland of New Jersey, a tale of trademark contention took center stage. The protagonist, Gregory Gregory, a local restaurant owner, found himself embroiled in a dispute with the fast-food behemoth, Taco Bell, over the use of the phrase “Taco Tuesday.” A phrase he had trademarked since 1982, when his restaurant’s Taco Tuesday nights became a popular staple in the community.

The Battle for ‘Taco Tuesday’

The story, as told on The Journal podcast, unfolds a narrative of food, business, and intellectual property rights. Taco Bell sought to cancel the longstanding trademark, advocating for the phrase’s universal usage across all establishments. This move was not only a concern for Gregory but also for Taco John’s, another taco chain that held the trademark elsewhere in the U.S.

Despite the widespread use of “Taco Tuesday” nationwide, the phrase is technically off-limits without explicit permission. Gregory defended his trademark fervently, issuing cease and desist letters to New Jersey businesses that dared to host their own Taco Tuesday nights without his consent.

Publicity and the Power of the Underdog

The dispute garnered widespread media attention, propelling Gregory into the spotlight. As he actively defended his rights to the phrase, he participated in numerous interviews, shedding light on the intricacies of trademark laws and the struggle of small business owners against corporate giants. The media flurry resulted in increased business and support for Gregory’s restaurant, demonstrating the power of the underdog in the public eye.

A Resolution Reached: The Aftermath

After months of negotiations, the fight between Gregory and Taco Bell reached its conclusion. The details of this resolution, shrouded in suspense, were unfolded in the podcast’s final episode of the year. The saga of ‘Taco Tuesday’ serves as a reminder of the importance of trademark rights and the often overlooked challenges faced by small businesses in the face of corporate power.

Source: BNN

Editor: IPR Daily-Horace