Supermac’s wins long-running McTrademark battle
A decision by the European Union Intellectual Property Office has gone in favour of Supermac's, after a protracted legal battle with McDonald's over the use of the prefic "Mc" in its product range.
Print6 August 2019
Supermacs’ battle with fast food behemoth McDonald’s is over, with the plucky Irish chain winning the fight over “Mc” (or “Mac”) being used in its product range.
The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has decided that McDonald’s ‘Mc’ trademark should be removed on all foods, with the exception of chicken nuggets and sandwiches.
Pat McDonagh, co-founder and MD of Supermac’s, welcomed the ruling and said his company is tired of “trademark bullying”.
“McDonald’s tried to argue that because they had some products that started with Mc that the term Mc was so synonymous with them that they had the right to own and trademark,” McDonagh said. “We are delighted that the EUIPO found in our favour and that we can now say that we have rid Europe of the McDonald’s self-styled monopoly of the term Mc.”
Meanwhile, a McDonald’s spokesperson said the company considers its ‘Mc’ products to be “among its most valuable assets” due to customer recognition.
“This decision does not impact McDonald’s ability to use its Mc-prefixed trademarks or other trademarks throughout Europe and the world,” the company said, “and McDonald’s will continue to enforce its rights.”
Supermac’s has more than 100 restaurants all over Ireland and Northern Ireland, including dozens of forecourt outlets, and employs more than 3,000 people.
The row began when McDonald’s tried to block Supermac’s from naming its signature burger the “Mighty Mac”, saying that it was infingement of its copyright “Big Mac”.
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