Chipotle vs. Sweetgreen, Lawsuit Filed Over ‘Chipotle Chicken Bowl’

Chipotle Mexican Grill has filed a lawsuit against Sweetgreen claiming the chain’s new “Chipotle Chicken Bowl” violates its trademark rights. The lawsuit was filed less than a week after the new menu item launched. According to CNBC, Sweetgreen’s stock had fallen 11% as of Wednesday afternoon.

Sweetgreen co-founder and chief concept officer, Nic Jammet, announced the name of the new item was inspired by the “bold chipotle spices” incorporated in the dish.

Chipotle’s complaint states that the company sent Sweetgreen a cease and desist letter requesting that the word “chipotle” be dropped from the name, but claims Sweetgreen never responded. CNBC reported that Sweetgreen responded to the letter on Tuesday after the lawsuit was filed.

Chipotle also had an issue with the font used in Sweetgreen’s advertisements for the menu claiming it was similar to its own logo as well as the shade of red sometimes used by the salad chain.

As for what Chiptole hopes to achieve from the lawsuit, CNBC reported, “In addition to asking the court for an injunction against Sweetgreen, Chipotle is also asking for the profits that Sweetgreen earns from the Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl.”