Chipotle Sues Sweetgreen Over Its New Burrito Bowl

Sweetgreen’s Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl is copyright infringement and confusing to customers, says Chipotle.

April 07, 2023

ALEXANDRIA, Va.—Chipotle Mexican Grill has filed a lawsuit against Sweetgreen, claiming that Sweetgreen’s newest menu item, the Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl, is a trademark infringement and confused consumers, reports The Wall Street Journal.

Because Sweetgreen capitalizes “Chipotle,” the burrito chain says it mimics its trademarked logo, and also argues that the ingredients are similar to the burrito bowls it sells. Chipotle wrote Sweetgreen a letter asking it to use a lowercase “c” in “chipotle” and to rename the menu item.

“As one example, Chipotle suggested that ‘chicken bowl with chipotle’ may be a more appropriate name for Sweetgreen’s new menu item,” the complaint said. 

Sweetgreen has not responded to Chipotle’s letter, reports the Journal. A spokeswoman for Chipotle told the publication that the company takes action when needed to protect its rights and brand.

Sweetgreen launched the burrito bowl on March 30, and it’s made with blackened chicken, black beans, wild rice, salsa, tomatoes, jalapenos, onion and garlic. The company said the menu item is “named for its thoughtfully-sourced chipotle powder that provides the perfect slightly spicy, smokey bite.”

Sweetgreen offered half off the burrito bowl on April 6, which was National Burrito Day—a day which Chipotle has traditionally offered deals.

“This promotion is clearly intended to copy and trade off of Chipotle’s longstanding ‘National Burrito Day’ promotion,” said Chipotle.

Chipotle wants Sweetgreen to stop selling its burrito bowl, pay Chipotle any profit it made from the menu item and pay damages and attorney fees.

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