Tacos for All: Taco John's Drops Trademark to 'Taco Tuesday'

By MEAD GRUVER Associated Press

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Taco Bell has rung up a win in its quest to make “Taco Tuesday” free of trademark restrictions.

On Tuesday, Taco John’s formally abandoned its longstanding claim to sole use of the phrase amid a challenge from its fast-food rival.

In a two-page filing with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Cheyenne-based Taco John’s gave up the “Taco Tuesday” trademark in 49 states, ending a high-profile spat with Taco Bell.

But the dispute looks to keep simmering in New Jersey, where a restaurant promises to keep fighting Taco Bell over the exclusive right to “Taco Tuesday” promotions in that state.