Old City sandwich shop sues for use of cheesesteak trademark

    Old City-based sandwich shop Campo’s is filing a trademark lawsuit, but it’s not what you think.

    Campo’s isn’t suing over someone else’s use of its cheesesteak trademark — the owners are trying to get said trademark to help with expansion.

     The Daily News reports Campo’s wants the “Philadelphia’s Cheesesteak” trademark, and sued the director of the Patent and Trademark Office, David Kappos, after the request was rejected.

    The owners say Campo’s quality beef and sandwiches made with care make it trademark-worthy.

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    This is far from the first Philly food trademark suit. In its latest trademark suit, Chickie’s & Pete’s sued a North Carolina restaurant for calling itself “Crabby Fries.” Chickie’s has a trademark on “Crab Fries.”

    What about New England clam chowder? Or Maine’s lobster bisque? What makes a regional food and what’s worthy of a trademark?

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