Oct 24, 2023 - Economy

Taco Bell wins fight to free Taco Tuesday trademark

Kelly Tyko

Illustration of a taco on a sound block next to a gavel and various side dishes — Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

A drawn-out saga over the "Taco Tuesday" trademark is officially over: The popular phrase is now free to use in all 50 states.

Why it matters: Restaurants across the country can now use the term to promote Tuesday specials without fear of cease-and-desist letters.

Driving the news: Taco Bell announced today (a Tuesday, of course) that New Jersey-based Gregory's Restaurant and Bar has relinquished its registration of the trademark.

This comes months after Wyoming-based Taco John's relinquished the trademark it owned since 1989 in 49 other states in July.

Flashback: Taco Bell filed legal petitions in mid-May aiming to cancel the trademark registrations that Taco John's and Gregory's had owned.

Taco Bell had said the trademarks restricted restaurants nationwide from using the phrase and the company "believes 'Taco Tuesday' should belong to all who make, sell, eat and celebrate tacos."

More from Axios:

Add Axios on Google

Taco Bell wins fight to free Taco Tuesday trademark

What to read next