![]() However, it turns out that no one has control of these terms in the same broad way that other companies have over trademarks.Ī search for “Black Friday” on the U.S. If a business had to avoid using “Black Friday” or “Cyber Monday” the way they evade using “Super Bowl” and “March Madness” in their advertisements, no one would be able to refer to their sale as the “Black Friday Sale”, or “Black Friday Deals”. Why are “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday” okay for businesses? However, it is worthwhile to understand why this is, and when businesses do need to worry. The short answer to whether companies should be worried about receiving a cease and desist letter or otherwise for using “Black Friday” or “Cyber Monday” in their marketing is: probably not. ![]() Companies (some more than others) diligently patrol the use of their trademarks and pursue infringement not just for monetary damages, but so that they do not lose their trademark or its marketing power. Acquiring trademarks for a business’s intellectual property protects a business from copycats and provides legal remedies. Using catchy phrases and slogans can create a lasting image with customers and allows companies to create brand recognition and increase the potential for sales. The question is – When it comes to trademarks and potential infringement, should companies be worried about using these terms in their marketing? They're definitely not alone in the mistake - other casual dining chains like Ruby Tuesday and Applebee's are in the same position - but misery doesn't always love company.GLO readers, did you take advantage of any Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals? Millions shop, billions have been spent, and businesses may be thinking of ways to use “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday” to promote the sales that their companies will have on these days. They were hoping to capture a client base from suburban malls and their surrounding areas, and according to what CEO John Antioco told Business Insider, that decision made a massive contribution to their declining sales and struggles. For many restaurants, the fourth quarter of the year is their make-or-break, but now that a huge amount of holiday shopping is done online, that means it wasn't long ago that TGI Fridays made a decision that's now coming back to break them.Īround 2010, TGI Fridays was looking at where to put new locations, and set their sights on the suburban market. ![]() That's not just hurting stores, that's hurting the restaurants - like TGI Fridays - who are hoping to cash in on those hungry shoppers. TGI Fridays issued a statement shortly after the humiliating scandal, saying of the allegations "If accurate, they would represent a violation of our company's values and our extensive bar and beverage standards which are designed to deliver the highest guest experience in our restaurants."īut mall traffic is declining, and according to Restaurant Business, more and more people are choosing to do most of their shopping online. While it was not revealed to the public exactly which of the restaurants were serving the dirty water, we can't imagine there weren't many folks willing to take that gamble. And what did the officers find when they raided the 29 establishments that were involved in the sting? Not only were some switching premium brands with low-cost alcohol, but also truly disgusting trickery like serving rubbing alcohol mixed with caramel coloring instead of scotch, and filling liquor bottles with dirty water. In 2013, 13 TGI Fridays franchise locations that were all operated by a NJ-based hospitality company were part of a sting operation called "Operation Swill" by the NJ ABC and Division of Criminal Justice. No such thing as bad publicity? We'd venture to say that's definitely not the case when you are a casual-dining chain that gets busted for selling fake booze to its bar customers. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |