It’s a battle of the tacos with TACO BELL and Taco Johns over the phrase “TACO TUESDAY”

Taco Bell is challenging the trademark held by Taco John’s for the phrase ‘Taco Tuesday’ for over 30 years.

Taco Bell has filed a petition with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to reverse the trademark, arguing that it has become too common a phrase to belong to a single entity.

From the newsroom at TACOBELL.com

Taco Bell believes “Taco Tuesday” should belong to all who make, sell, eat and celebrate tacos. In fact, the very essence of “Taco Tuesday” is to celebrate the commonality amongst people of all walks of life who come together every week to celebrate something as simple, yet culturally phenomenal, as the taco. How can anyone Live Más if they’re not allowed to freely say “Taco Tuesday?” It’s pure chaos.

Taco John’s has responded to the challenge, saying that they are not interested in filling the pockets of Taco Bell’s lawyers. They also announced that it was rolling out a special Taco Tuesday deal for the remainder of the month of May, with $2 for 2 tacos every day until May 31!

“I’d like to thank our worthy competitors at Taco Bell for reminding everyone that Taco Tuesday is best celebrated at Taco John’s,” said Taco John’s CEO Jim Creel in a statement.
“We love celebrating Taco Tuesday with taco lovers everywhere.”

Taco Bell is also challenging the trademark held by Gregory Hotel, Inc. in New Jersey. Legal experts say this case could take up to TWO YEARS to finish.

Susan Saunders 5/17/23