You may name your new burrito bowl no matter you need — simply do not name it the “Chipotle Hen Burrito Bowl.”
That is the most recent gauntlet thrown by Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc, which is suing its fast-casual restaurant rival Sweetgreen Inc in California for trademark infringement.
Chipotle legal professionals confirmed up in a federal courtroom on Tuesday, claiming that Sweetgreen’s new menu merchandise, the “Chipotle Hen Burrito Bowl,” crosses the road.
Chipotle argues that Sweetgreen’s burrito bowl is “very comparable and straight aggressive” with its personal. They stated the merchandise had comparable elements, equivalent to hen, rice, and black beans.
Furthermore, by utilizing the phrase chipotle in its advertising and marketing, Sweetgreen is “making outstanding use of the well-known Chipotle trademark.”
Chipotle, the spice, is a Mexican powder created from dried, smoked jalapeno peppers.
Sweetgreen stated it doesn’t touch upon pending litigation. However its shares fell greater than 10% immediately.
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Sweetgreen simply launched the burrito bowl final month
Sweetgreen, recognized for its wholesome salads and grain bowls, has been on a mission to introduce “heartier” objects to its menu choices.
Based on a press launch from the corporate, inside research discovered that their clients most popular hen as their protein by 70%.
“The Chipotle Hen Burrito Bowl is our reply to heartier meal choices,” stated Nicolas Jammet, sweetgreen Co-Founder and Chief Idea Officer. “Impressed by daring chipotle spices, this protein-heavy choice balances a model new taste profile for sweetgreen.”
The product was launched on March 30.
However Chipotle shouldn’t be pleased with the title. In a lawsuit, the corporate claimed they contacted Sweetgreen to stop and desist.
They even provided a brand new title suggestion — “Hen Bowl with chipotle” (decrease case C)
Sweetgreen didn’t appear too candy on that and failed to reply.
