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McDonald’s Loses ‘Big Mac’ Trademark Case to Irish Fast-Food Chain

Supermac’s can now expand throughout the U.K. and Europe.

The Irish fast-food chain Supermac’s won a trademark legal battle against McDonald’s, The Guardian reports. Pat McDonagh, managing director of Supermac’s, reportedly convinced the European Union Intellectual Property Office to cancel McDonald’s “Big Mac” trademark, after the fast-food giant claimed Supermac’s and Big Mac would confuse customers. “We’re delighted. It’s a unique victory when you take on the golden arches and win,” McDonagh said. “This is a victory for all small businesses. It prevents bigger companies from hoarding trademarks with no intention of using them.” The EUIPO reportedly ruled that McDonald’s did not provide evidence of “genuine use of Big Mac” as a burger or restaurant name. McDonald’s originally trademarked the name in 1996, and can reportedly appeal the ruling. According to the newspaper, McDonagh named his fast-food chain after a nickname given to him when he was a teenager. With the ruling, he can now reportedly expand Supermac’s into the U.K. and the rest of the E.U.