News

In-N-Out threatens 'copycat' with lawsuit

July 25, 2011

Burger Express in Boise, Idaho has received a letter from In-N-Out's legal team asking it to stop using its red, white and yellow color scheme on block lettering. The logo, they say, is too similar to the California-based In-N-Out.

Additionally, according to the Idaho Statesman, Burger Express' three-burger menu is similar to In-N-Out Burgers'.

Burger Express has been open just a month. Its similarities to the iconic chain were pointed out by food bloggers and fans via Facebook. The new restaurant's owner received a letter from In-N-Out asking to abandon the resemblances or face a lawsuit. The chain provided an Aug. 5 deadline for changes to be made.

Burger Express' owner Larry Squillace said the chain is acting like Goliath and trying to smash his dreams.

In-N-Out's Carl Van Fleet, vice president of planning and development, responded by saying the company has worked hard to develop a unique look and feel, and has to defend against copycats so fans don't confuse them. Van Fleet added that the chain is trying to resolve the issue amicably.

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