Hall & Wilcox advises Lord of the Fries in successful trade mark dispute

Hall & Wilcox advised vegan fast food restaurant chain Lord of the Fries in its trade mark dispute against Middle-earth Enterprises LLC, which owns the global exclusive rights to The Lord of the Rings. 

Lord of the Fries had applied to trade mark the words ‘LORD OF THE’. Middle-earth Enterprises LLC opposed the application on the basis that The Lord of the Rings is one of the most widely read and influential fantasy novels and that, due to the significant reputation of The Lord of the Rings franchise, consumers would be deceived or confused into thinking there is an association or connection between Lord of the Fries and The Lord of the Rings.  

The Hall & Wilcox team assisted Lord of the Fries with preparing evidence highlighting there are many examples of use of similar marks, including Lord of the Pies and Lord of the Dance. 

Middle-earth Enterprises LLC was not successful in opposing the application.

The Hall & Wilcox team was led by Partner Ben Hamilton and included Lawyers Loren Alderuccio and Yasmin Chalabi and Trade Mark Attorney Kathryn Hedger. 

Ben Hamilton said, ‘We are pleased to have assisted Lord of the Fries in securing a key trade mark for its business operations. This outcome not only strengthens Lord of the Fries’ position in its market but also serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting brand identity, through trade mark registrations.’