The Chicago Tribune is reporting that a trademark suit between well-known Southern California chain Roscoe’s House of Chicken ‘n Waffles (“Roscoe’s”) against new Chicago restaurant Rosscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles (“Rosscoe’s Chicago”) was at least partially resolved the day after it was filed when Rosscoe’sChicago agreed to change its name to Chicago’s Home of Chicken and Waffles.

The restaurants had no affiliation with each other, but had numerous similarities, beyond just the names:

  • Both use a cartoon chicken and a waffle as logos; and
  • Both have drinks called "Sun Rise" and "Sunset".

Those involved in an early hearing yesterday appeared to have a sense of humor about the dispute. After the hearing, Rosscoe’s Chicago’s owner Darnell Johnson was quoted as saying “I’m happy as a chicken eating waffles."  And during the hearing, Judge Der-Yeghiayan summed up the case’s status this way: "I see that both parties understand the issues and facts of life and none of the parties are waffling on the issue." Roscoe’s, however, did state that it intended to pursue damages for the period before Rosscoe’s Chicago’s name change.