Instruction
Case Analysis
Burger King, the national franchise, is banned from opening a restaurant within 20 miles of Mattoon, Illinois. So, there is
not a Burger King there; no problem, right? Not so fast! In the late 1950s, Gene and Betty Hoots trademarked the iconic
name. Well, they trademarked it in Illinois at least. When the national company decided to open a chain close by, the
Hoots sued and won their case. However, the national chain was able to keep the name Burger King, but the Hoots were
also able to keep the name in accordance with the stipulation that the national chain could not open a store within a 20-
mile radius of the original store in Mattoon, Illinois.
In a minimum of 500 words, explain the reasons why this decision was made, and discuss the significance of this case in
U.S. trademark law jurisprudence.