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

"Opened in 2019, the diner is the defendant in a lawsuit filed Tuesday, May 20 in Manhattan federal court. The company that manages the historic 100-plus-year-old venue alleges the owner, Efstathios Antonakopoulos, has “traded off its image and brand to promote his Carnegie Diners” in Manhattan, New Jersey, and Virginia, with plans to franchise nationwide; inside, the diner features images of the stage and performers along with 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 the venue has been trying to resolve this “amicably” for years without success and quotes the complaint: “This is no ‘homage;’ it is theft.” The lawsuit seeks “unspecified damages unspecified damages, a halt to further alleged infringements, and the cancellation of Carnegie Hospitality’s registration with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for [the diner] restaurants.” In response, Eleni Melekou, Esq. at Pardalis & Nohavicka, who is representing the diner, said: “[The diner] has proudly served its community from when it first opened in 2019. We have built a distinctive brand that stands on its own and earned our reputation of quality food, genuine hospitality, and respect for our neighbors. We believe we have acted in accordance with a prior agreement. We are confident that we and our neighbors will be able to work out any misunderstandings.”" - Melissa McCart