Who knew that the phrase "Taco Tuesday" was trademarked back in 1989 (specifically for use in selling tacos, but probably for other use cases as well)
Taco Bell is not happy that they didn't think of it first, and are claiming that it has become part of the national lexicon and therefore should be set free.
The current owner has been diligent in protecting their mark, so there is a chance they'll prevail from that perspective alone.
Who knew? It would almost be a shame to liberate the trademark. Taco John’s registered it & used it, then it became a popular phrase. Seems like they should reap the rewards. Others can pay to use it or come up with their own catchy slogan and register it. But it is difficult to protect intellectual knowledge.
Used to be a regular at Taco Tuesday back in the 80s in college. We'd go hit a bar with a good special on Monday night (being college students) and then show up at Taco John's for tacos with green sauce (very hot for the time, and a huge Coke, the next morning at 9:00 before class to take the edge of the drinking off.
And, yes, I remember those Taco John's Taco Tuesday commercials well. Taco Bell needs to give it up.
Smokin-It 3D
Weber Kettle with an SNS
Masterbuilt kettle that I call the $30 wonder grill
Bullet by Bull Grills gasser
Anova WiFi sous vide machine
Thermoworks Thermapen and Chef Alarm
Smokin-It 3D
Weber Kettle with an SNS
Masterbuilt kettle that I call the $30 wonder grill
Bullet by Bull Grills gasser
Anova WiFi sous vide machine
Thermoworks Thermapen and Chef Alarm
Taco Ball may have a case here. If I remember my (very, very brief!) legal training correctly, there is precedent for companies losing their trademarks if the phrase or brand name finds itself in "common use" for an extended period of time.
Anyone remember the campaign by Xerox in the mid and late 1980s practically begging people to only refer to Xerox copiers as Xerox?
Yes, but Xerox is still registered. Taco Johns doesn't care if people use "Taco Tuesday" they just want to get paid by companies like Taco Bell if used for promotional purposes.
Large Big Green Egg, Weber Performer Deluxe, Weber Smokey Joe Silver, Fireboard Drive, 3 DigiQs, lots of Thermapens, and too much other stuff to mention.
My guess is that this will settle. Taco John’s won’t want to spend the money on a suit they will lose; Taco Bell doesn’t want to spend the money on a suit they will win. TB will agree to pay TJ some amount more than insignificant but less than impressive, and the world will keep turning.
Never heard of Taco John's.
And, I'd have to say that any place I can think of in my area that serves tacos, uses the term taco Tuesday to promote business on Tuesdays, even if only by word of mouth..
There are Taco John's (and Taco Bell) in Minnesota & Wisconsin. I prefer Taco John's because that is what I grew up with. I also agree with ItsAllGoneToTheDogs, the Potato Oles are delicious!
Taco Ball may have a case here. If I remember my (very, very brief!) legal training correctly, there is precedent for companies losing their trademarks if the phrase or brand name finds itself in "common use" for an extended period of time.
Anyone remember the campaign by Xerox in the mid and late 1980s practically begging people to only refer to Xerox copiers as Xerox?
What JLR said. But while the term may be considered "common usage", they may have a case for *commercial use* because they've actively protected their mark.
other companies didn't try to use "Xerox" in their own marketing, to benefit from the Xerox trademark. Taco Bell may not have a case here
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