Food giant KFC has entered into an acrimonious dispute with Johnson and Johnson over the name of a new dessert.
KFC Corp, based out of Louisville, KY, has long been associated with the Kentucky name and believes that they should have unrestricted rights to use it. When the corporation decided to market a new gelatine-based dessert it was only natural that it should be called Kentucky Jelly. However, problems arose when KFC started using the state abbreviation and called the tasty dessert KY Jelly.
A spokesperson for Johnson and Johnson stated, "Consumers have long associated the name with our product, and Johnson and Johnson has a valid copyright on it".
"Not so", counters KFC Corp. "The copyright owned by Johnson and Johnson is K-Y with a hyphen, not the state abbreviation 'KY'. We are proud of our state name and have every intention to continue using it."
No way has been found to ease the friction between the two parties, but one thing is certain - the product is gaining traction in the Kentucky market. Sales have risen over 300% in the two months following the introduction of the tasty treat.
"We are surprised, but delighted", said KFC. "When we introduced KY Jelly to the menu we thought that we would have to ease it in, but it seems to have penetrated the market rapidly and without a hitch. We sincerely hope that we are not forced to pull it out."
