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Not to get WAAAAY of the topic, but I think it may have something to do with the fact that "slim jim" seems to be a widely used term to refer to various things. Rubbermaid apparently has a model of trash can it calls a slim jim. And I think it's also slang for a tool used to break into a car. When it's a phrase that is fairly commonly used or has multiple meanings, I don't think it's a slam dunk to sue regarding trademarks.
In fact, it loooks like Slim Jim has been trademarked by both Rubbermaid and whoever produces the jerky stick.
But no one is going to think that the menu is listing a rubbermaid trash can sandwich.
This is two FOOD products. Close enough to cause confusion (as has been shown in this thread multiple times)
I'm not interested enough in the topic to dig too deep, but it does appear that ConAgra has filed opposition against Shoneys regarding the SlimJim name, only to later withdraw the opposition. I suspect there was probably an exchange of a large sum of money involved.
I'm not sure what is so difficult about the question. How can they use a trademarked name that is owned by a different entity?
You can't name your product the same as another product when the owner of that product has trademarked the name. I can't create a product and call it "Coca-Cola".
Geeze, they license it, OK? Shoney's pays money to ConAgra for the right to use the name.
Not to get WAAAAY of the topic, but I think it may have something to do with the fact that "slim jim" seems to be a widely used term to refer to various things. Rubbermaid apparently has a model of trash can it calls a slim jim. And I think it's also slang for a tool used to break into a car. When it's a phrase that is fairly commonly used or has multiple meanings, I don't think it's a slam dunk to sue regarding trademarks.
In fact, it loooks like Slim Jim has been trademarked by both Rubbermaid and whoever produces the jerky stick.
Trademarks are issued by category. The beef jerky is not in direct competition with a trash can....well technically. You want need a trash can after eating a Slim Jim. Slim Jim has been trademarked for decades. They haven't lost their trademark so they can sue and chances are really high that they would any case where someone calls another food product a Slim Jim. Shoney's does have the registered trademark symbol next to the words Slim Jim so they're probably using the term with permission and paying for it. If not, they're going to be really soon!
I'm not interested enough in the topic to dig too deep, but it does appear that ConAgra has filed opposition against Shoneys regarding the SlimJim name, only to later withdraw the opposition. I suspect there was probably an exchange of a large sum of money involved.
Sure, they'll sell a license for a small fortune. Happens all the time. Ever go to a craft store and see bolts of fabric for your favorite football team? All of those fabrics are licensed. So the fabric manufacturer paid a small fortune to the NFL to use those likenesses. Same with Disney.
Sure, they'll sell a license for a small fortune. Happens all the time. Ever go to a craft store and see bolts of fabric for your favorite football team? All of those fabrics are licensed. So the fabric manufacturer paid a small fortune to the NFL to use those likenesses. Same with Disney.
Not quite the same thing, but clearly I'm bothering people with the discussion, so I'm dropping it.
I think Shoney's is mainly in the south and Big boy is in the north of the U.S. Our Shoney's here in Tennessee is not as good as it once was.
Shoney's was the original Big Boy franchisee for the Southeast. After a number of years, they wanted to expand outside of their territory so they dropped the "Big Boy" from their name. This allowed them to expand into Ohio, parts of Kentucky, Florida, and Oklahoma that were controlled by other Big Boy franchisees.
The Slim Jim sandwich was developed by Big boy and was a grilled ham and swill on a sub roll with lettuce, tomato and a pickle. The sandwich predated the Con Agra jerky product.
Houstonians think so. All the locations closed here over a decade ago.
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