Cross-Country Pizza Time trademark dispute continues
By Pankaj Ladhar of Manos • Alwine P.L.
In a case of alleged trademark infringement, the Coral Springs based Pizza Time, Inc. is claiming that another pizza chain based in the state of Washington is using the same Pizza Time name. A lawsuit alleging that the Washington-based pizza and Italian food restaurant chain stole the Pizza Time name was filed in a Broward County Civil Court.
At issue is which company was the first to use the Pizza Time name. The Florida Pizza Time has been in business since 1980 and says that its restaurants are well-known for the quality of the Italian food and pizza they serve. The chain also claims that its reputation is so good that it has built a considerable clientele of out-of-market customers who have their favorite menu choices shipped to them by overnight courier. The Florida company also maintains that their restaurants are destination stops for customers who travel from great distances specifically to eat at their restaurants and to enjoy the menu selections.
The other restaurant company using the name of Pizza Time is based in the state of Washington and operates a chain of 25 similar pizza and Italian food restaurants throughout the Pacific Northwest. The Washington state Pizza Time, which has the corporate name of Pizza Time Holdings, has been in business since 1989.
The Washington-based Pizza Time chain is defending its use of the Pizza Time trademark, alleging that the Florida restaurant chain has violated federal trademark laws.
The Florida-based chain is suing to protect its trademark name and to ensure that its restaurants will be able to use the Pizza Time name going forward.
Source: Broward/Palm Beach New Times “Pizza Polemic: Florida’s Pizza Time Calls ‘Foul’ on Washington’s Pizza Time,” Victoria Bekiempis, Sept. 17, 2011