The United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”) approved Campbell Soup Company’s (“Campbell’s”) application to trademark the word “chunky.” Campbell’s filed an application with the USPTO back in May 2018. In its application, Campbell’s cited to “massive unsolicited media coverage of chunky,” according to the Philadelphia Business Journal. The word “chunky” has been parodied by pop culture on various outlets, including programs like Saturday Night Live, The Simpsons, Family Guy, and The Daily Show. Campbell’s has also maintained a twenty-year partnership with the NFL.
According to the Philadelphia Business Journal, Campbell’s said the “chunky” trademark will be limited to connection with soups. Using “chunky” in connection with other types of food will not be an issue. “’Non-prominent, descriptive’ uses of the word — like ‘chunky-style’ — that aren’t a trademark or brand name also pose no issues.” Campbell’s first used the word “chunky” back in 1969. Since that time, Campbell’s said it has spent more than $1 billion in advertising soup products under the word “chunky.” About 75 percent of consumers associate “chunky” with Campbell’s.