News

Chain not crazy over loco name

August 24, 2010

California-based chain El Pollo Loco has found itself in federal court claiming Minneapolis eatery El Pollo de los Santos has infringed on its trademark name.

El Pollo Loco filed a suit in June, also alleging unfair competition and deceptive trade practices. According to the Minneapolis-St. Paul Business Journal, the suit was filed after the local eatery was slapped with numerous health violations.

The restaurant was warned to stop using the "Loco" name in 2008, but has disregarded the request. The name is still being used on its website and in company listings.

El Pollo Loco is looking to expand to the Gopher State. The chain claims it has received inquiries about the local restaurant's health violations, which included improper food temperatures, a charcoal cooking grill in the kitchen, food obtained from an unapproved source and chicken found thawing on the floor.

El Pollo Loco is fighting for a court order for the local restaurant to stop using its name, but the local restaurant's lawyers have countered, claiming its name does not violate the trademark.