McDonald's has sent a cease and desist notice to a Wellington bar over the name of its vegan Big Mac alternative.
Laundry Bar's 'Mac Burglar' has a vegan thousand island dressing, a bun and the chef's take on an Impossible Burger, but it's now in need of a new name, Stuff reports.
- World can give up on meat by 2035, creator of 'Impossible' vegan burger claims
- Newshub finds the best vegan takeaways in Auckland
- Vegans refusing to back down on war against meat industry
International fast-food giant McDonald's sent a letter to the bar, saying there are no parody or satire exceptions under New Zealand trademark or copyright law.
"McDonald's considers that your actions constitute trademark infringement, copyright infringement, and passing off," it said.
Spokesperson Simon Kenny told Stuff the cease and desist was "friendly" after the company noticed five different restaurants using McDonald's-based names during food festival Wellington on a Plate.
"While we're flattered, given the widespread misuse, we sent friendly letters asking them not to use our trademarks going forward."
Bar owner Matt Rutledge told Stuff he was well aware the name as "a bit cheeky" and it will be changed.
Newshub.
