KFC has filed a federal lawsuit against Church’s Texas Chicken, accusing the competitor of infringing its trademark rights by using the phrase “Original Recipe” in its advertisements.
On Friday, KFC told the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas that Church’s use of the slogan in marketing its fried chicken could mislead customers.
“KFC is deeply committed to protecting its brand’s intellectual property and ensuring customers receive an authentic experience,” a KFC spokesperson stated. “We take it personally when another company tries to claim our iconic taste and branding as their own.”
According to KFC, it has used “Original Recipe” to promote its signature blend of herbs and spices since 1972.
The lawsuit claims Church’s began using the phrase in ads in late September, specifically promoting chicken legs and thighs under the tagline “Our Original Recipe Is Back.”
KFC’s complaint notes that it sent a letter to Church’s representatives last month, voicing concerns that the ads could confuse consumers and harm the distinctiveness of KFC’s branding. However, KFC stated that Church’s did not respond to the letter.
In the lawsuit, KFC is seeking unspecified monetary damages and a court order to prevent Church’s from using the “Original Recipe” phrase.
The case, KFC Corp v. Church’s Texas Chicken, was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas under case number 4:24-cv-01000.
KFC’s legal team includes Joseph Petersen, Craig McDougal, and Christin Jones of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton. Church’s has not yet disclosed its legal representation.
