Right now, In-N-Out Burger's motto isn't so much "quality you can taste" as it is "cease and desist." The popular West Coast fast food chain is suing the startup DoorDash over alleged trademark violations.

DoorDash, an online delivery service, lists the burger joint chain as one of its food merchants, and is apparently cashing in on more than requests for Double-Doubles. According to the complaint, which was filed on Nov. 6, DoorDash has been using a logo suspiciously similar to In-N-Out's, and apparently, had no real affiliation to (read: commission agreement with) the franchise in the first place. Now, In-N-Out is moving to bar the startup from delivering its animal-style fries and shakes, citing unjust competition "despite the fact that [DoorDash] is in no way affiliated with [In-N-Out], [DoorDash] has advertised, and continues to advertise, that it delivers food from [In-N-Out]'s restaurants."

In-N-Out is also distressed about DoorDash's handling of its meals during the process of delivery concerning the effects it has on quality and presentation, pointing out that it has "no control" over food temperature and the "safety practices" of DoorDash's delivery men and women.

This isn't the first time that DoorDash has been under fire for possibly shady practices: NY Eater reported that eateries in Brooklyn and Manhattan have expressed outrage over having no prior knowledge of their businesses being listed on the app, as well as menu price inflation. That's not all: customers have been disgruntled with unexpected delivery fees.

Nor is the app service a novice when it comes to court: DoorDash was sued earlier this year over miscategorizing its drivers as independent contractors, a huge tax no-no.

DoorDash's rejoinder to the claims?  

"DoorDash uses its innovative logistics technology to deliver the very best food and products in neighborhoods across the country," stated a spokesperson for DoorDash, as also reported by Eater. "While we have various relationships with different merchants, we are proud to help people get their favorite food delivered directly to their door." 

Via: Ars Technica

Photo: Joy | Flickr