UK restaurant chain drops 'pho' trademark amid criticism of monopolizing Vietnamese national dish

By Phan Anh   October 28, 2024 | 09:24 pm PT
UK restaurant chain drops 'pho' trademark amid criticism of monopolizing Vietnamese national dish
A bowl of pho in Hanoi. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Mai
British restaurant chain Pho Holdings has requested to relinquish its trademark on the word "pho" following a wave of criticism on social media.

The chain, founded in 2005, faced accusations of attempting to monopolize the name of the Vietnamese popular noodle soup, considered widely as a national dish, prompting calls for a boycott, the Daily Mail reported.

In a statement, a representative of Pho Holdings acknowledged public concerns and confirmed that the company had filed a request with the U.K. Intellectual Property Office to surrender the trademark. The move comes after growing online backlash that the trademark could restrict Vietnamese businesses from using and profiting from the popular dish's name.

The controversy dates back to 2013, when London-based restaurant Mo Pho reported receiving a legal notice from Pho Holdings demanding it change its name. Pho Holdings later dropped the dispute after public outcry, according to The Guardian.

The issue resurfaced earlier this month after a Vietnamese-origin influencer based in London highlighted it in a TikTok video, comparing Pho Holdings' trademark to claiming rights over common food terms like "fish and chips" or "sushi".

In response to the renewed criticisms, Pho Holdings emphasized that its founders started the chain to honor Vietnam's national dish after traveling to the country. The company reiterated that its trademark did not restrict others from using the word "pho" and rejected claims that it was suing Vietnamese businesses as "untrue."

 
 
go to top