Freeing Taco Tuesday

[wildmaven]

Did you know that the term "Taco Tuesday" was copyrighted and the owners of the copyright prohibit it's use for commercial purposes? 

Apparently, Taco Bell is fighting the copyright, which is held by Taco John's in 49 states and Gregory's in New Jersey. 

Taco Bell's FAQ page about it: www.tacobell.com/freeing-taco-tuesday

What do you think about the copyright? 

[Chani]

I'm not educated enough on copyright law for my opinion to mean anything, so I chose "Undecided." Like any red-blooded human being, though, I still have an opinion on this subject I know nothing about!

I had no idea until I read this post that they owned the copyright and I'm sure I'm not the only one who's surprised. I know I've seen T-shirts and other merchandise using that slogan being sold by various other vendors. I thought that was a consideration in these cases, or at least that's why I've heard bigger names (like Disney, Blizzard, etc.) defend their IP so aggressively. But all my knowledge on the subject is admittedly second-hand; I've only learned what's needed to prevent getting sued for copyright, not what happens after!

I understand wanting to keep it free since it's kind of outgrown a slogan for a single taco chain and become a cultural thing with a life of its own, but I don't know how I feel about the fact that the people leading the charge are a direct competitor to the alleged copyright holder. Makes it all feel a little smarmy. e.e

[Darkmage4]

Taco John’s has sucked around here for years. Their potato oles have been so bad, I give them a try at least once a year. With Tacos, and it’s really not good. Taco Bell on the other hand has been amazing, despite them removing what I always had for years. lol. Also, TB really needs to bring back their Caramel Apple Empanada.

Otherwise, I say yes. The copyright needs to be freed. It’s kinda ridiculous to copyright something widely known. I know many restaurants that use it in some way or another to express 1 dollar Tacos at Authentic Mexican restaurants.

Edit: I misread… it was supposed to be no. lol.

[User 180565 is taking donation]

I'm impressed burger king hasn't tried to trade mark hump day Wednesday

[Wesley2005]

Jun 26, 2023 12:54:40 GMT -8 Chani said:

I'm not educated enough on copyright law for my opinion to mean anything, so I chose "Undecided." Like any red-blooded human being, though, I still have an opinion on this subject I know nothing about!

I had no idea until I read this post that they owned the copyright and I'm sure I'm not the only one who's surprised. I know I've seen T-shirts and other merchandise using that slogan being sold by various other vendors. I thought that was a consideration in these cases, or at least that's why I've heard bigger names (like Disney, Blizzard, etc.) defend their IP so aggressively. But all my knowledge on the subject is admittedly second-hand; I've only learned what's needed to prevent getting sued for copyright, not what happens after!

I understand wanting to keep it free since it's kind of outgrown a slogan for a single taco chain and become a cultural thing with a life of its own, but I don't know how I feel about the fact that the people leading the charge are a direct competitor to the alleged copyright holder. Makes it all feel a little smarmy. e.e

I agree with you on this one. I am not educated enough to even know anything about copyright laws. However, it is kinda selfish? I am just unsure.. Lol

I honestly didn't know either until I read this..

Actually kinda shocking, but not really.. if that makes any sense.

[Syko Nachoman]

I'm kind of suspicious that this lawsuit might have less to do with claiming ownership of the term and more as a way of calling people's attention to the existence of Taco John's. I mean, I'd never even heard of Taco John's until I'd clicked on this thread, and now I've already said their name twice. And now their name will have some residence in my brain (and millions of other people's brains) for at least the next few weeks, which in turn will make people more likely to check out their food. I don't actually know if that was their ulterior motive for doing this, but if it was... brilliant.

[aether]

I think when a phrase has far eclipsed the copyright owner, it should be set free.

Does anyone know how much Taco John's makes from every usage?

[wildmaven]

Jun 28, 2023 13:00:37 GMT -8 aether said:

I think when a phrase has far eclipsed the copyright owner, it should be set free.

Kind of like how facial tissue is referred to as Kleenex by the masses. 

[Wesley2005]

Jun 28, 2023 13:00:37 GMT -8 aether said:

I think when a phrase has far eclipsed the copyright owner, it should be set free.

Does anyone know how much Taco John's makes from every usage?

Honestly I didn't even think they made money from it.. but now that I think about it they actually do if it is copyrighted by them.
THAT is WILD!

WOw.. Nah set it free.

[Derek‽]

It's a trademark, not a copyright, and the fact that people don't seem to know the difference is concerning.

With that said, I couldn't care less about Taco Bell's publicity stunt. PepsiCo is a soulless corporation that doesn't do anything on principle, nor would I expect its subsidiaries to be any different. Good faith petitions don't need celebrity endorsements, either--it's all marketing. In fact, let's not overlook the fact that LeBron tried to trademark the term himself for media usage but was denied. He didn't just want to use the term "Taco Tuesday," he wanted to control the term, and now he's the spokesman for no one owning it? Give me a break. This whole campaign is skeevy and gross.

As for the trademark itself, it's been in use for decades and apparently has been defended appropriately, so I don't see why it should be canceled. Unlike copyrights and patents, there's no time limit on a trademark, the holder simply has to actively use it and defend against any violations in which they are made aware. "We want to use the term too!!!1OneUno" is not a good enough reason to terminate a trademark; it's actually the whole reason trademarks exist in the first place. The fact that the general public didn't even know it was a trademark is irrelevant. The appropriate time to question and challenge the validity of the trademark was when it was first granted, but the question is irrelevant 30+ years later.

[Pearson]

Jul 4, 2023 8:11:01 GMT -8 Derek‽ said:

It's a trademark, not a copyright, and the fact that people don't seem to know the difference is concerning.

With that said, I couldn't care less about Taco Bell's publicity stunt. PepsiCo is a soulless corporation that doesn't do anything on principle, nor would I expect its subsidiaries to be any different. Good faith petitions don't need celebrity endorsements, either--it's all marketing. In fact, let's not overlook the fact that LeBron tried to trademark the term himself for media usage but was denied. He didn't just want to use the term "Taco Tuesday," he wanted to control the term, and now he's the spokesman for no one owning it? Give me a break. This whole campaign is skeevy and gross.

As for the trademark itself, it's been in use for decades and apparently has been defended appropriately, so I don't see why it should be canceled. Unlike copyrights and patents, there's no time limit on a trademark, the holder simply has to actively use it and defend against any violations in which they are made aware. "We want to use the term too!!!1OneUno" is not a good enough reason to terminate a trademark; it's actually the whole reason trademarks exist in the first place. The fact that the general public didn't even know it was a trademark is irrelevant. The appropriate time to question and challenge the validity of the trademark was when it was first granted, but the question is irrelevant 30+ years later.

Since I do not have a Taco in this fight, everyone gets a Taco!

[CheatAreZee]

Jun 26, 2023 14:54:22 GMT -8 Darkmage4 said:

Taco John’s has sucked around here for years. Their potato oles have been so bad, I give them a try at least once a year. With Tacos, and it’s really not good. Taco Bell on the other hand has been amazing, despite them removing what I always had for years. lol. Also, TB really needs to bring back their Caramel Apple Empanada.

Otherwise, I say yes. The copyright needs to be freed. It’s kinda ridiculous to copyright something widely known. I know many restaurants that use it in some way or another to express 1 dollar Tacos at Authentic Mexican restaurants.

Edit: I misread… it was supposed to be no. lol.

Oh man, my experience has been the exact opposite. I love TJ’s and their Ole’s

Had no idea they had the trademark for Taco Tuesday, though (or maybe I did and forgot; that’s not completely out of the question). Good on them for having the foresight I guess!

[Darkmage4]

Jul 6, 2023 20:15:10 GMT -8 CheatAreZee said:

Jun 26, 2023 14:54:22 GMT -8 Darkmage4 said:

Taco John’s has sucked around here for years. Their potato oles have been so bad, I give them a try at least once a year. With Tacos, and it’s really not good. Taco Bell on the other hand has been amazing, despite them removing what I always had for years. lol. Also, TB really needs to bring back their Caramel Apple Empanada.

Otherwise, I say yes. The copyright needs to be freed. It’s kinda ridiculous to copyright something widely known. I know many restaurants that use it in some way or another to express 1 dollar Tacos at Authentic Mexican restaurants.

Edit: I misread… it was supposed to be no. lol.

Oh man, my experience has been the exact opposite. I love TJ’s and their Ole’s

Had no idea they had the trademark for Taco Tuesday, though (or maybe I did and forgot; that’s not completely out of the question). Good on them for having the foresight I guess!

Round here, it's been bad. Of course. I haven't had them in like 8ish years. lol. I may have to try them again soon.

[guest1x]

I think there are restaurants alllll over the USA that have Taco Tuesday specials.  

[Scott]

Well in the end big money won out:

www.cnn.com/2023/07/18/business/taco-tuesday-lawsuit-ends/index.html