Latest news with #Mc


Mint
6 days ago
- Business
- Mint
The Big ‘Mc' Feud: Here's why a Gujarat snack maker is suing McDonald's
McPatel Foods Private Limited has filed a civil suit against McDonald's Corporation before an Ahmedabad rural court. The Gujarat-based snack maker alleged that it has been receiving 'groundless threats' from the American fast-food chain due to its use of the mark 'McPatel.' The Indian snack maker filed the suit under Section 142 of the Trade Marks Act, 1999, aiming for an injunction to prevent McDonald's from initiating or threatening legal action over its use of the 'Mc' prefix in its corporate and product branding. The case is listed for hearing on July 28, 2025, Bar and Bench reported. The conflict began when McPatel Foods applied to register the mark 'McPatel' under Class 30 (covering bakery goods, snacks, noodles, confectionery, sauces and frozen foods) in March 2024. However, on August 27, 2024, McDonald's filed an objection before the Indian Trade Marks Registry against this application. In its notice of opposition, McDonald's alleged the following: Deceptive similarity: McDonald's claims that the 'McPatel' mark is deceptively similar to its 'Mc' and 'Mac' family of trademarks, including McDonald's, McFries, McChicken and others. Acquired distinctiveness: The 'Mc' prefix, according to McDonald's has gained distinctiveness globally since the 1970s, and since 1996 in India due to its widespread use. Global enforcement: McDonald's argues that its trademarks are registered in more than 100 countries, solely with an aim to protect against third-party use of 'Mc'-formative marks. Dominant element: The fast-food chain also argues that 'Patel' and 'Foods' are quite common, making 'Mc' the dominant and source-identifying element in 'McPatel'. Bad intention: McDonald's also alleged that McPatel adopted the mark in bad faith to benefit from McDonald's goodwill, leading to confusion and deception and of the brand's reputation. In its counter statement filed on October 29, 2024, McPatel Foods denied all allegations, asserting the following: Legitimate adoption: The Indian snack maker claimed that the mark was adopted from its registered corporate name and trading style, with no intent to misrepresent or unfairly benefit from McDonald's reputation. Distinct identity: The company said that it is a legally incorporated Indian MSME specialising in processed food, particularly in frozen French fries and their mark is also visually, phonetically and conceptually different from McDonald's trademarks. No prior conflict: The Trademark Registrar is said to have found no conflicting marks at the examination stage, leading to the application's acceptance and advertisement. Lack of evidence: McPatel also pointed to the absence of actual confusion or consumer deception. Jealousy: McPatel contends that the opposition is driven by 'business jealousy' and is filed in bad faith to harass a domestic company. McPatel stood by its rationale that 'Mc' is a common prefix and McDonald's cannot claim monopoly over it across all combinations or industries. As of now, the trademark registry has not made a final decision on the dispute. The ongoing litigation is expected to cause further delays, as reported by Bar and Bench.


Time of India
7 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
McPatel takes on McDonald's over ‘Mc' monopoly
In what promises to be the mother of all delicious legal battles over the use of 'Mc', which means 'son of', a local food company, McPatel Foods Pvt Ltd, has dragged global fast-food giant McDonald's Corporation to the court. The Ahmedabad -based firm, which sells French fries under the brand 'Ohh! Potato', filed a trademark suit accusing McDonald's of issuing 'groundless threats' over its use of the prefix. Last month, McPatel moved the Ahmedabad rural court, seeking to restrain McDonald's from objecting to the use of 'Mc' in its name. The suit was filed under Section 142 of the Trademark Act to prevent the multinational company from issuing 'groundless threats'. According to senior counsel H S Tolia, representing McPatel, 'McDonald's issued a notice to McPatel claiming that the prefix Mc is its identity and insisted that the local company should stop using this prefix or else it would take legal action. Since initiating mediation proceedings is a prerequisite before filing a commercial suit, McDonald's instituted mediation proceedings in the Delhi high court and McPatel participated in it. However, McDonald's was adamant that McPatel must not use Mc in its trademark and the parties could not reach any compromise.' 'Since the mediation proceedings did not yield any result, McPatel filed a suit in the Ahmedabad rural court, seeking to restrain McDonald's from threatening it with legal action,' added Tolia. 'This is because McPatel is entitled to use the prefix Mc on several counts. We contend that the prefix Mc is very generic, and it means 'son of'. By citing different examples of the use of this prefix, we have stated that the name suggests the son of Patel. It is aimed at honouring the Patel community .' The court has issued a notice to McDonald's and scheduled a hearing on the matter for July 28.


Time of India
23-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
McPatel takes on McDonald's over ‘Mc' monopoly
Ahmedabad: In what promises to be the mother of all delicious legal battles over the use of 'Mc', which means 'son of', a local food company, McPatel Foods Pvt Ltd, has dragged global fast-food giant McDonald's Corporation to the court. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Ahmedabad-based firm, which sells French fries under the brand 'Ohh! Potato', filed a trademark suit accusing McDonald's of issuing "groundless threats" over its use of the prefix. Last month, McPatel moved the Ahmedabad rural court, seeking to restrain McDonald's from objecting to the use of 'Mc' in its name. The suit was filed under Section 142 of the Trademark Act to prevent the multinational company from issuing "groundless threats". According to senior counsel H S Tolia, representing McPatel, "McDonald's issued a notice to McPatel claiming that the prefix Mc is its identity and insisted that the local company should stop using this prefix or else it would take legal action. Since initiating mediation proceedings is a prerequisite before filing a commercial suit, McDonald's instituted mediation proceedings in the Delhi high court and McPatel participated in it. However, McDonald's was adamant that McPatel must not use Mc in its trademark and the parties could not reach any compromise." "Since the mediation proceedings did not yield any result, McPatel filed a suit in the Ahmedabad rural court, seeking to restrain McDonald's from threatening it with legal action," added Tolia. "This is because McPatel is entitled to use the prefix Mc on several counts. We contend that the prefix Mc is very generic, and it means 'son of'. By citing different examples of the use of this prefix, we have stated that the name suggests the son of Patel. It is aimed at honouring the Patel community." The court has issued a notice to McDonald's and scheduled a hearing on the matter for July 28.


Business Upturn
16-06-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Enright-McPherran Professional Consulting Announces its Profit-Driven Framework, Business Trinity Chart
Miramar, Florida, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enright-McPherran Professional Consulting firm, known for its innovative approach to business intelligence, has officially launched the Business Trinity Chart, a groundbreaking visual framework designed to redefine how companies manage profitability, decision-making, and operational clarity across industries, from consumer goods and retail to law firms and construction. Enright & McPherran Professional Consulting Founded by the late David Enright and Scott McPherran, Enright-McPherran has built its reputation working across the Americas, Europe, and Asia by designing tailored profitability models that honor one guiding principle: balance. The Business Trinity Chart is the firm's most ambitious tool to date, one that transforms how organizations interpret performance data and act on it in real time. 'Everything starts with an equilateral triangle,' explained McPherran. 'Three equal sides, three equal angles. It's a symbol of balance and a perfect metaphor for what makes a business unit truly profitable.' At its core, the Business Trinity Chart answers three main questions: How much revenue did I generate? How profitably did I generate that revenue? How much inventory or assets did I carry to generate it? Each business unit is represented by two triangles: one for expectations and one for actual performance. When actual metrics deviate from their expected range, they are flagged with indicators, helping leaders spot issues instantly and act before performance slips too far off track. 'Traditional reporting can be rich in data but poor in usability,' McPherran said. 'The Business Trinity Chart doesn't replace analysis. It prioritizes it. You can scan ten units and instantly know which three are dragging profitability down. It's as fast and intuitive as a second grader reading a flashcard.' For law firms, where profitability has long been misunderstood as just hours billed minus costs, the model introduces Timekeeper ROI (TKROI) and Predictive Cash Flow analysis to provide deeper insights. It evaluates profitability across collection patterns, operating margins, and active workload, predicting when time worked becomes money earned and where write-offs are likely. The firm's name itself, En right -Mc Pher ran, is a nod to its values: 'Right' for doing what is strategically correct in moments of critical decision-making, and 'Fair' for its unwavering honesty and client-first approach. What makes Enright-McPherran's approach distinct is its commitment to customizing every model. 'We don't make companies fit the shoe. We make the shoe fit the company,' says McPherran. 'That's how we've helped clients move faster and smarter, not harder.' With its scalable design, the Business Trinity Chart brings executive-level insight down to individual practice groups or departments. From forecasting to daily operations, it aligns everyone toward the same profitability goals and helps avoid year-end surprises like massive layoffs or missed revenue targets. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or other professional advice. Media Contact Name: Scott McPherran Email: [email protected] Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash


Khaleej Times
01-03-2025
- Health
- Khaleej Times
McDonald's UAE introduces exclusive Children's Book collection for Ramadan, supporting the Red Crescent Medical Center
One hundred percent of the proceeds will be donated to the Red Crescent Medical Center, a long-standing partner of McDonald's UAE This Ramadan, McDonald's UAE is introducing a special collection of three children's books, written by renowned Emirati author Hamda Faraj and illustrated by Emirati artist Aisha Khalid. More than just a set of stories, these books encourage the spirit of giving, with every dirham going directly to the Red Crescent Medical Center. Available exclusively for Dh5 at all McDonald's UAE restaurants and on the McDonald's app, each purchase will contribute to providing vital support to those in need. Last year's Ramadan campaign raised over Dh300,000 for the Red Crescent Medical Center, the UAE's only medical facility offering free healthcare to those in need. Continuing this commitment, McDonald's UAE has partnered with Emirates Red Crescent for over seven years, raising more than Dh4.5 million to support humanitarian efforts. Beyond the Holy month of Ramadan, McDonald's UAE maintains an always-on approach to supporting the Red Crescent Medical Center through donations on the self-ordering kiosk and a Rewards Points donation feature on the McDonald's app, allowing customers to contribute year-round. The book collection features three captivating stories that take young readers on imaginative adventures in the UAE, from an exciting fishing trip to a fact-filled journey to the palm farm and an unforgettable treasure hunt. Each story is designed to spark curiosity, while directly contributing to the mission of the Red Crescent Medical Center in Sharjah. Dr Mohammad Salim Al Junaibi, manager of the Red Crescent Medical Center, said: "We are honoured to join forces with McDonald's UAE once again for this Ramadan campaign. This initiative enriches young minds through the joy of reading while reinforcing our mutual commitment to vital humanitarian support. Every book purchased helps extend crucial aid to communities in need, making a real difference at the Red Crescent Medical Center. This significant support made by McDonald's UAE year on year, especially during such a special time such as the Holy month of Ramadan, underpins the importance of our longstanding partnership." Established in 2008 by Emirates Red Crescent, the Red Crescent Medical Center provides free healthcare services across more than 18 departments, including general surgery, pediatrics, internal medicine, radiology, and much more. Walid Fakih, CEO at McDonald's UAE, commented: "Stories have the power to inspire and connect. By continuing our valued partnership with Emirates Red Crescent and working with inspiring Emirati talent to craft such engaging stories, we are taking another step towards supporting those who need it most.' He added, 'As a local business with deep roots in the UAE for more than three decades, our focus remains on positively impacting the local community.' The books are now available exclusively at all McDonald's UAE restaurants and on the McDonald's app and are priced at Dh5 per book.