In-N-Out Burger sues YouTuber who it says posed as an employee
In a recent legal battle, In-N-Out Burger has taken action against a popular YouTuber for impersonating an employee of the fast-food chain and filming inappropriate interactions with customers. The lawsuit, filed in central California district court, accuses internet personality Bryan Arnett of donning a fake In-N-Out uniform to deceive customers and tarnish the brand’s reputation.
Arnett’s videos, which have since been removed from his YouTube channel, allegedly featured him making lewd, derogatory, and false remarks while pretending to be an employee. In one instance, he falsely claimed that In-N-Out’s food contained cockroaches and condoms, and even suggested that employees contaminated customers’ food by putting their feet in the lettuce. These actions prompted In-N-Out to sue Arnett for trademark infringement and business defamation, seeking damages and a ban from their establishments.
Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Irvine, California, In-N-Out operates restaurants across several states in the western U.S. The company is determined to hold Arnett accountable for his actions and ensure that any online content referencing In-N-Out is removed. With over 334,000 YouTube subscribers, Arnett is known for his diverse content, including challenges like spending 24 hours at a gym to test their policies.
As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen how the case will impact both parties involved. In the world of social media influencers and online content creators, the boundaries of acceptable behavior and brand representation continue to be tested. In-N-Out’s swift action against Arnett serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting a company’s reputation and trademarks in the digital age.
Megan Cerullo, a New York-based reporter for CBS MoneyWatch, covers a wide range of topics including small business, workplace issues, healthcare, consumer spending, and personal finance. With a regular presence on CBS News 24/7, Cerullo brings her expertise to a broad audience seeking informed insights on current events and trends in the business world.
