It's a fight that I feel has been brewing for decades! Who is the originator of the "original recipe"? A new lawsuit filed in Texas is shaking up the world of fried chicken!

KFC has filed a lawsuit against Church's Texas Chicken, claiming that its use of the term "original recipe" in advertising infringes on KFC's trademark and could mislead consumers into thinking Church's products are associated with KFC.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, argues that Church’s recent marketing of a "rejuvenated 1952 recipe" conflicts with KFC's longstanding brand identity. This legal action comes as KFC faces declining sales in a highly competitive quick-service chicken market, where it has held the "original recipe" trademark since 1984.

According to MY SA, KFC is seeking damages "arising out of Defendant’s acts of willful trademark infringement, unfair competition and trademark dilution," among other demands, such as Church's recalling its marketing materials and canceling its advertisement campaign.

In a statement, KFC said:

On behalf of fried chicken lovers out there, we take it personally when another company tries to claim our iconic taste and branding as their own.

It's been a rough year for many restaurants; with Red Lobster and TGI Friday's closing multiple restaurants, it's obvious that KFC doesn't want to be part of those closures. KFC is already grappling with declining sales in a competitive fast-food market, where it faces pressure from rivals like Popeyes and Raising Cane's. Church's reintroduced its "Original Recipe" chicken just before KFC's deadline for a response to an objection letter, adding to the legal tension.