Carnegie Hall filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Carnegie Diner and Cafe on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, alleging that the restaurant group misleads diners into believing the restaurants are connected to the iconic concert venue.
Carnegie Hall, located in midtown Manhattan, New York, has been operating as a concert venue since 1891. In addition to providing a venue for iconic music performances, Carnegie Hall “offers a multitude of goods and services that complement [its] mission of bringing the transformative power of music to the widest possible audience,” including food and drinks, branded merchandise, video-on-demand services, podcasts, and education programs. Throughout its history, Carnegie Hall has used a multitude of trademarks, and has registered its trademarks with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
Carnegie Diner and Cafe opened a chain of restaurants in New York, New Jersey, and Virginia “which are themed around and focused on Carnegie Hall’s brand, using CARNEGIE-formative trademarks, trade dress, and marketing materials.” The complaint alleges that the unauthorized use of Carnegie Hall’s trademarks is “likely to confuse consumers and dilute Carnegie Hall’s valuable trademarks. . . Defendants have not created a mere ‘homage’; they have stolen and are trading off of Carnegie Hall’s valuable trademarks and brand.”
The complaint argues that the restaurants use imagery and branding associated with the concert venue to “give the false impression that Carnegie Hall is affiliated with Defendants and their Carnegie Diners.” The restaurants have wall-size murals of the building’s facade and stage, “designed to make consumers feel like they are eating inside Carnegie Hall’s landmarked concert hall.” The complaint further alleges that diners are encouraged to take photos in front of these murals and to post said images to social media. Additionally, Carnegie Hall alleges that the restaurants have actively advertised a false connection to the concert venue, “including [references] to Carnegie Hall events in Defendants’ online advertisements, and selling merchandise that references Carnegie Hall.”
The complaint states that Carnegie Hall “tried repeatedly to reach an amicable solution” whereby the restaurants would “cease their infringing and willful conduct.” However, “Defendants have refused, dragging out settlement talks with no ultimate intent to settle, and even apparently signing a nationwide franchisee agreement to further expand the Carnegie Diners, after Carnegie Hall complained.” The restaurant group plans to open a Carnegie Diner in every state by 2029.
The complaint makes claims for relief alleging false designation of origin; unfair competition; trademark infringement; trafficking or attempting to traffic in counterfeit marks; dilution of trademarks; and cancellation of federal trademark registration. The complaint seeks injunctive and monetary relief.
Additional Reading
How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Infringe its trademarks, lawsuit claims, Reuters (May 21, 2025)
The Carnegie Hall Corporation v. Carnegie Hospitality LLC et al (Case No. 1:2025cv04224)
Complaint in The Carnegie Hall Corporation v. Carnegie Hospitality LLC et al
Photo Credit: Gordon Bell / Shutterstock.com
