Bratwurst battle brewing in federal court in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE — Two Wisconsin sausage companies are battling in court over who can use the term “backyard brat.”

Klement Sausage Co. is suing Johnsonville Sausage in federal court for trademark infringement. The Milwaukee company says it trademarked “backyard bratwurst” in 2009 and that Johnsonville’s attempt to trademark “backyard grilled brat” was rejected by federal regulators.

WLUK-TV reports Klement claims the Sheboygan Falls company is violating federal and state law. The sausage maker wants Johnsonville to stop using the marketing term and pay damages caused by trademark violations. No dollar amount was cited in the claim.

Johnsonville said Tuesday it won’t respond because the legal matter is pending.

Klement sponsors the popular Racing Sausages which appear at Milwaukee Brewers’ home games.