McDonald’s Battles Trademark 'MCDULL' Amid Sluggish U.S. Sales
May/02/2025
McDonald’s Corporation recently opposed a U.S. trademark application for 'MCDULL', a Chinese-origin brand associated with automotive and childcare products, asserting a risk of confusion with its established suite of brands such as MCDONALDS, MCDELIVERY, MCCAFE, MCMUFFIN, MC CHICKEN, MC DOUBLE, MCNUGGET, and MCFLURRY. This legal maneuver arrives as McDonald’s navigates choppy economic waters, evidenced by a 3% revenue dip and a 3.6% decline in U.S. same-store sales in the first quarter—the worst since 2020. CEO Chris Kempczinski highlighted consumer caution spanning low- and middle-income households, contrasting stable demand from wealthier segments, reflecting America’s increasingly divided economic landscape. Despite softening sales also hitting rivals like Domino’s Pizza, Starbucks, Pizza Hut, KFC, and Chipotle, McDonald’s remains optimistic, banking on promotions linked to "A Minecraft Movie", newly launched chicken strips, upcoming beverages from its CosMc’s pilot, and continued affordability initiatives under the McValue menu.
