Pitfaced BBQ - Meat Massage, Spicy Meat Massage, and On Point - Standing 10% off for TW!

@Martyinco knows the deal, but I'll put it all out here, too. Nothing lost for me.

The guy that found and contacted me about it is the guy that owns/runs a company called 5280 Culinary.

His site is here: https://5280culinary.com/5280-culinary-foods-store/

He told me that Rub a Dub was trademarked (he does sell a Rub a Dub). I've asked for the registration # of his trademark and the only one he provides me is the trademark for his business, then says that "Rub a Dub" is included in it, which doesn't make sense to me or my attorney. Rub a Dub is a good name, but I won't pretend we're the only ones using it. A google search will find you half a dozen other BBQ rubs called that or some variation. It's easy, catchy, and doesn't look like you tried too hard to squeeze a pun in there.

I don't see how he legitimately has that name trademarked, nor do I see how he could enforce it. That said, if it is going to be an ongoing argument, we could consider just changing the name now before we go full retail. On principle, I don't want to do that because I get the sense that this guy is just trying to be a bully, but is all bark and no bite. It is just a matter of picking battles.

 

that part of business is aggravating...

 

TW naming contest?

In all seriously, if you can easily fine several other people using that name, you don't want to be associated with them. You want to be recognized as your own company and original. If people think you are using someone else's name, they will wonder if it's their recipe too. Not a good start to something like this.

 

Could be!!!

 

I've already offered to eliminate the threat

 

WOW! I googled Rub-a-Dub bbq and found 4 rub's by that name right off the bat (not including yours). Yep, I vote for a new name.

"TacomaWorld's Famous BBQ Rub" I am sure is out of the question.... our lord and moderator would veto that one.

But maybe the fine folks here can help pick the name!

 

I'm sure you will do great. Worst case you get to have some fun and lots of great food.

 

How bout T-Dub Rub? TW rub, get it?

 

I highly recommend anyone that likes cooking BBQ to enter a local competition. It doesn't need to be big, KCBS, or sanctioned at all. Just be part of a collection of folks that all take pride in their BBQ and rub shoulders with them for a day or two. It is a LOT of work, but a lot of fun. The BBQ community is incredible. Guys like Matt Pittman from Meat Church helped us out in our first competition and he has kept in touch ever since. I'm sure he and I will have another shot together this year. The irony is that after a weekend of competing, running dozens of pounds of meat across your pits, giving the best of what you cooked to some anonymous judges, and getting kicked in the groin on scoring, all you feel like eating is fried chicken and pizza for about a week

Works on two levels as one of our cooks, Trent, is the OG Rub-a-Dub guy.

 

Oh, and I got to see the sample patch from @SMKYTXN and it is badass. We're getting those done for sure.

 

so is there a rule on use of propane or charcoal? just curious

 

Depends on the event and if it is sanctioned or not. We have only done KCBS events and they prohibit the use of propane, gas, and electric heating elements. Basically is has to be a wood or charcoal burning pit.

They have a ton of rules, including what sort of garnish you can put in the box (i.e. no red leaf lettuce and kale was only just permitted this year or last). You get DQ'd if a tiny piece of foil is still stuck to your meat, etc. KCBS rules are a little stifling, if I'm honest (I could go on about both the rules and the importance they give "appearance"), but they are the big dog when it comes to BBQ events, so everyone goes along with it.

 

Ya I can imagine. My best friend who I do a lot of food smokin with is a fire fighter and they are having a competition this year. He has been talking to me about him and I doing it for his station. Been considering it.

 

I'm not too worried about the name. We've been using it for a while, but we came up with it on a whim. I can honestly say we did not know of any other BBQ rubs using it, but I'm not surprised, nor worried about the fact that there are. The first time we were going to sell it at a craft fair, I was talking to Trent and said, "damn, I didn't even think of it, but we need a name for this stuff". He said, "just call it Rub-a-Dub". The rest is history.

All I'd be looking for is a name that is easy to say, doesn't read like a hard attempt at a pun or to be funny (we'll leave the funny to the merch), and isn't specific to a particular type of meat (i.e. "beef" or "pig").

T-Dub-Rub ain't half bad!

 

You're not going to share the pic? That's just mean.

 

I'm fumbling around on my phone trying to get it uploaded

 

Well, since you're going to put it up anyway I'll give you a hand.