“They apparently have a trademark on the name,” Taylor said. “I was racking up legal fees trying to fight them.”
Twisted Root Burger Co. owner Jason Boso told the Dayton Daily News via email Thursday that his company is “talking to potential franchisees in multiple states, including Ohio, which is one reason the letter was sent.
“When we started, we spent a lot of time doing our homework to select a name and personality that was different from anyone else out there,” Boso said. “We then got the proper registrations, paid the appropriate fees, and performed the necessary legal work to have it all as our own. … If we’re not diligent in this, we risk losing federal trademark protection, which would result in brand dilution and customer confusion.”
Taylor said he has decided to acquiesce rather than fight to keep the name. He hasn’t chosen the new name yet, but in January or February, he’ll jettison the “Twisted Root” name, and will simultaneously change the focus of his restaurant. Taylor said he’ll make it more informal and turn it into more of a bar-restaurant that will focus on craft beers and will serve lunch and dinner seven days a week.
The new pub will serve pizza, wings and sandwiches with high-quality ingredients and sauces, Taylor said.
Twisted Root will remain open and serving under its suddenly controversial name until the early-2014 transition, the restaurant owner said.
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