According to the complaint, the ongoing use of Popeyes branding creates a “likelihood of consumer confusion and deception,” misleading customers into believing the Iowa locations remain legitimate Popeyes restaurants
Relief Sought
Popeyes demands both injunctive and monetary relief:
- A court order barring the defendants from using any Popeyes trademarks, logos, or trade dress.
- Authority for Popeyes to enter and alter the restaurants to remove all branding.
- Return of confidential manuals and operating documents.
- Treble damages, punitive damages, attorneys’ fees, and costs under the Lanham Act and contract provisions
- A two-year ban on defendants owning or operating any chicken restaurant within a 10-mile radius of the affected locations
What’s Next
The defendants must file a response within 21 days of service of the summons. If they fail to respond, Popeyes could move for a default judgment enforcing the relief requests in the complaint.
Given Popeyes’ demand for injunctive relief, an early hearing on preliminary injunction could be pivotal. If granted, it may immediately force the Iowa restaurants to strip signage and cease using Popeyes’ branding while litigation continues.
Settlement remains possible, but Popeyes’ filing signals an aggressive strategy to protect its brand footprint.
