NYC’s Carnegie Hall Sues Carnegie Diner Restaurants Over Name | Eater NY

"The historic, 100-plus-year-old venue and the company that manages it has brought the federal suit alleging that the diner has used the venue's name and imagery to promote and expand a restaurant/franchise operation. The venue's filing highlights interior merch and décor that reference stage appearances by major figures, noting merch including references to “appearances by singer Bob Dylan, soprano Maria Callas, and civil rights leader Martin Luther King” at [the hall]. The filing says attempts to resolve the matter “amicably” over several years failed, and the complaint declares: “This is no ‘homage;’ it is theft.” The suit, filed May 20 in Manhattan federal court, seeks damages, an injunction to halt further alleged infringements, and cancellation of the franchisor’s USPTO registration related to the restaurants." - Melissa McCart