In an episode of the hit, 1990s TV show “Seinfeld,” Jerry asks Kramer whether the pizza place that Kramer is near is Famous Ray’s. Kramer responds that it is just Original Ray’s, to which Jerry asks whether that means Famous Original Ray’s or just Original Ray’s. It turns out that the conversation was not far from the truth, as two Ray’s pizza establishments are now facing off in Manhattan federal court over name confusion.
Famous Original Ray’s is suing Famous Ray’s on false advertising and unfair competition grounds, stemming from the latter’s use of the name “Famous Ray’s Pizza.” Famous Ray’s pizza restaurants came into existence about 50 years ago and are located throughout the New York City area. Nearly 50 pizza places have some variant of Ray’s Pizza in their name, though only about a tenth of them are a part of the original chain. A Los Angeles business litigation lawyer can assist businesses in preventing unlicensed trademark and name usage.
The plaintiff in the lawsuit is Famous Original Ray’s, a licensing corporation that came about in 1991. It consists of a group of owners of Ray restaurants who seek to protect the “Ray’s” name and image. Famous Original Ray’s is asking for $1 million, claiming that Famous Ray’s has been stealing its goodwill and market share. Businesses interested in learning more about trademark protection may wish to speak to a Los Angeles business litigation attorney.