Ohio Food Truck vs. Kellanova: The Battle Over a Playful Name
A Trademark Tangle
In an unexpected twist of fate, an Ohio food truck has found itself embroiled in a legal battle that pits it against the corporate giant Kellanova, the company previously known as Kellogg’s. The food truck, charmingly named L’Eggo My Eggroll, is facing a lawsuit alleging that its name cleverly riffs off Kellogg’s trademarked slogan, “L’Eggo My Eggo.” This legal conflict underscores the complexities and challenges of branding in today’s competitive marketplace.
The Legal Flow of the Lawsuit
On June 3, Kellanova initiated legal proceedings in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. The lawsuit contends that L’Eggo My Eggroll not only appropriates the playful phrase but also imitates the visual design of Eggo products—employing a similar font and a bold red, white, and yellow color scheme. Kellanova asserts that these choices could mislead consumers into believing that the food truck is somehow affiliated with the well-established brand.
Ignored Warnings
According to the lawsuit, Kellanova reached out to L’Eggo My Eggroll multiple times since discovering the food truck in April 2024, requesting that it cease the use of Eggo-related branding. When L’Eggo My Eggroll allegedly dismissed these requests and countered with threats of its own, Kellanova felt compelled to take legal action, stating they had "no other choice."
Voices from the Front Lines
Elliott Werth, the attorney for L’Eggo My Eggroll, characterized the case as a classic David vs. Goliath scenario. He expressed optimism that forthcoming evidence will demonstrate that his client has not infringed any trademarks. Werth remarked, “This case is nothing more than a billion-dollar company attempting to push around a successful local small business. We are committed to fighting for our clients and the truth.”
What’s at Stake?
Kellanova is demanding that L’Eggo My Eggroll abandon its name and any logos or branding that might resemble Eggo’s established look. Additionally, they are seeking all profits attributed to the alleged trademark infringement, along with recovery of their legal fees.
The Food Truck’s Mission
L’Eggo My Eggroll, which began serving up delicious hibachi and egg rolls around northwest Ohio on April 8, 2024, has garnered a following for its unique culinary offerings. As it stands, the outcome of this legal dispute could have significant ramifications not just for the food truck itself, but for the broader conversation around branding and trademark rights in the food industry.
Conclusion: A Case to Watch
As this intriguing legal battle unfolds, it raises important questions about creativity in branding and the lengths to which large corporations will go to protect their intellectual property. The plight of L’Eggo My Eggroll serves as a reminder that even the most playful of names can lead to some serious courtroom drama.
Stay tuned as we follow the progression of this case—a story that highlights the intersection of local entrepreneurship and corporate power. You can find more about this ongoing legal spat through sources like WCMH and Kellanova.
