KFC is taking one of its smaller rivals to court, suing Church's Texas Chicken for allegedly violating its trademark rights by using the phrase "Original Recipe" in pitching its fried poultry products.

KFC and Church’s are in a beef over fried chicken. The chain formerly known as Kentucky Fried Chicken has sued its competitor for the recent use of the term “Original Recipe” in promotions. KFC has used “Original Recipe” for more than 50 years to ...

KFC’s “Original Recipe” trademark, which it says is a secret blend of 11 herbs and spices, has long been part of the company’s branding. The blend is closely guarded, and the company calls it one of the most “iconic trade secrets in the food industry.” It first trademarked the phrase in 1984.