01/05/2009 - Tiny takeaway in names row with KFC
A small takeaway in a Scottish town has refused US fast-food giant KFC's demand to remove a trademarked name from its menus.
The Titanic Pizza Co in Carnoustie, Angus, describes one of its meals as Family Feast - a name that KFC says was registered as a trademark in 1994 and 2003 and wants removed from the pizzeria's menu and online site.
Titanic owners Gloria Esposito and Marie Fagan, however, are insistent they will not have it changed.
They say the takeaway has been using the name since 1992 for a meal consisting of juice, pizzas, garlic bread and a portion of chips or onion rings.
Ms Esposito, 45, who has owned the business for 18 years, said they were "gobsmacked" when they got the letter from KFC's lawyers.
She said: "We sent them a letter back explaining that we were not going to be bullied. We are just a tiny wee company in Angus.
"We had a giggle when we saw the letter because it all seems so ridiculous but, at the same time, we don't know how far they could take it."
A KFC spokeswoman said: "Like any business we have to protect our trademarks."
The letter is on display in their shop window and Ms Esposito said customers were all rallying behind them.
"They're all saying 'good luck girls' and telling us not to let the big boys win," she added.
Copyright © Press Association 2009
Related links
|
