In-N-Out Sues Startup Over Burger Deliveries

It wants DoorDash out of the In-N-Out business
By Michael Harthorne,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 13, 2015 4:57 PM CST
In-N-Out Sues Startup Over Burger Deliveries
   (Shutterstock)

Popular chain In-N-Out is suing a California startup to make sure customers actually have to put on pants if they want their burger and fries. Eater reports In-N-Out filed a lawsuit against DoorDash, which lets customers order food from hundreds of restaurants through its website and app, on Nov. 6 in an effort to bar the startup from delivering its food. In-N-Out has charged DoorDash with trademark infringement, dilution, and unfair competition, according to BoingBoing. The lawsuit claims the "unlicensed delivery business" uses a fake In-N-Out logo on its website to trick consumers into thinking they have an agreement with In-N-Out to deliver its food, which is not the case. The lawsuit also states DoorDash doesn't have proper food safety and handling procedures in place.

Eater reports despite DoorDash apparently stopping In-N-Out deliver for the time being, the burger chain is angling for a jury trial. But Joe Mullin at Ars Technica isn't so sure In-N-Out has a case. As long as customers understand the DoorDash driver doesn't work for In-N-Out, it may not be relevant that they aren't completely clear on any possible legal agreements between the companies. "Third-party delivery services are well understood," Mullin writes. "If the burgers come cold, consumers savvy enough to download DoorDash's app will be savvy enough to blame DoorDash for their unhappy meal." But it's not just In-N-Out. Eater reports a number of other restaurants are upset at DoorDash for using their names, logos, and menus while simultaneously jacking up prices. (More In-N-Out stories.)

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