Did you know that the phrase "Taco Tuesday" is actually trademarked? According to the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the phrase was trademarked by Taco John's Seasoning in 1989. While this does not affect day-to-day usage, it does legally bar restaurants and other institutions from legally using the phrase.
This has now become a legal battle as Taco Bell has become determined to fight the long-standing trademark. Not only would this allow Taco Bell, the largest Mexican cuisine chain in the US, to use the phrase commercially, but it would also allow food vendors to utilize the colloquialism. Now Taco Bell has added a famous face to their cause - LeBron James.
LeBron James Wants To See "Taco Tuesday" Become Public Domain
According to a press release from Taco Bell, provided to HotNewHipHop by the PR firm Edelman, LeBron has joined the effort to revoke the trademark on "Taco Tuesdays". His support comes from due to his love of the tradition. "A known “Taco Tuesday” enthusiast, the 4x NBA Champion is just as passionate as Taco Bell is about freeing Taco Tuesday. LeBron never misses a Taco Tuesday and can often be seen celebrating the weekly tradition with his family," a spokesperson for Taco Bell told HotNewHipHop. LeBron will also star in a new ad for Taco Bell.
Furthermore, LeBron believes in the community-building aspect of the tradition. “‘Taco Tuesday’ is a tradition that everyone should be able to celebrate. All restaurants, all families, all businesses – everybody,” said LeBron James per Taco Bell's press release. “‘Taco Tuesdays’ create opportunities that bring people together in so many ways, and it’s a celebration that nobody should own.” As part of the effort to revoke the trademark, LeBron publicly signed Taco Bell's change.org petition seeking the revocation of the trademark. A change.org petition carries no legal weight. However, it has often proven to be an effective tool in amplifying social issues. Furthermore, with a name like LeBron on board, there is a very real chance change could come about.
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