Chicago’s Smoque BBQ Battles Weber Grills Over Trademark | Eater Chicago
"Since opening in Old Irving Park in 2006, this Chicago barbecue restaurant — led by owner and pitmaster Barry Sorkin — has earned a reputation as one of the city’s best spots for brisket and ribs, built on a declared 'low and slow' approach and supplemented by a small line of rubs and sauces. When Weber released a newly named pellet smoker (priced at $799/$999), Sorkin objected, citing his long-held trademark and concern that customers could mistakenly assume an affiliation if the restaurant’s sauces appeared alongside the grill; his team issued a cease-and-desist in January and later filed a federal trademark complaint. He went public with the story on social media on June 16 and has circulated a petition that has gathered 381 signatures. Weber responded that its trademark application pertains specifically to pellet smokers and outdoor cooking appliances, noted it does not operate restaurants, and expressed admiration for the restaurant’s contributions to Chicago’s barbecue culture; nonetheless, the owner maintains that the restaurant’s labor-intensive, authentic barbecue results cannot be replicated by backyard pellet smokers and is defending its identity." - Ashok Selvam
