The Story of KFC’s Founder Being Sued by KFC

in 1952 by Harland Sanders KFC (Kentucky Fried Chicken) is a brand that achieved great success after its establishment and managed to turn its fried chicken into a world-famous taste.

KFC, which has managed to become a giant chain, still has its own identity even in its most visible elements, such as its logo as the mascot of the brand. “Colonel Sanders” It uses the visual of this cute old man we know as. So what could have happened between Sanders, who is still the face of the brand, and KFC that would cause the duo to sue?

In fact, everything starts with the transfer of KFC.

Founded by Colonel Sanders in 1952, KFC achieved great success in 12 years and expanded its business in America and Canada. More than 600 branches had reached.

Sanders, who was 73 years old at the time in 1964 He decided to sell KFC.

Former Kentucky governor John Y. Brown Jr. and another investor $2 million and annual salary of $40,000 In exchange, he agreed to sell KFC.

In fact, in the agreement, Sanders will continue to remain as the face and consultant of the brand. The recipe will not be changed It was agreed upon.

Even though Sanders sold KFC, he wasn’t walking away from the brand.

In his iconic white suit takes part in advertising campaigns and was traveling around the world for various promotions.

However, John and other entrepreneurs who took over the management decided to expand the business. various changes was doing.

In 1971, John Brown decided to sell KFC to a large food company. That’s how everything started to change.

Although the original agreement promised that the recipe would remain the same, the new owners He did not keep this promise.

The new managers, who preferred a cheaper and easier version of the recipes, were calculating the time and cost here, but this Sanders didn’t like it at all.

Sanders hated the new sauce recipe so much that he “wallpaper glue” He described it as.

Of course, for the chickens too He didn’t speak very well.

Also for chickens “It’s just a fucking ball of fried dough stuck to the chicken.” said.

These harsh criticisms of Sanders caused a branch owner to file a libel lawsuit against him.

In 1978, a KFC branch owner told Sanders sued for libelbut the case was dismissed.

But Sanders was so dissatisfied with the work the new owners did after acquiring KFC that he He opened a rival restaurant to KFC.

Opening a restaurant triggered the second lawsuit and caused KFC to sue its founder.

“Claudia Sanders, The Colonel’s Lady Dinner House” The new restaurant he opened under the name was aiming to compete with KFC.

For this reason, KFC filed a lawsuit against Sanders. The lawsuit filed covered name and trademark rights and It was quite serious.

Sanders had no intention of backing down. In retaliation, the new owners in a separate legal battle using your image without permission He tried to file a lawsuit claiming that he was promoting his products and 122 million dollars compensation he demanded.

In the end, Sanders received $1 million, but had to change the name of his rival restaurant.

By removing the phrase “Colonel’s Lady” from the old name, the name of the restaurant was changed. “Claudia Sanders Dinner House” Had to change it to .

This restaurant, which is still open now, belongs to Colonel Sanders. with original recipe The only place you can eat fried chicken.

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