BUFFALO, N.Y. — A former Chrusciki Bakery executive is trying to stop the company from receiving a trademark for the pierogi character he once portrayed.
The owners of the company last year opened the first Pierogi Pete's fast casual restaurant in East Amherst. The trademark issue centers on the use of the Pierogi Pete name and mascot — a pierogi wearing sunglasses — at the restaurant and in promotional appearances.
Peter Zlotkowski, whose employment was terminated by the company in June, filed a notice of opposition on Feb. 8 against Chrusciki Enterprises Inc. dba Simply Pierogi – Polish Kitchen's trademark application filed in 2022 with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
In the notice, he said that he conceived and created the character, which became a part of his identity professionally and personally.
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