Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar

The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash

Chili crisp vs. Chili Crunch
Momofuku is sending cease-and-desist letters to small businesses
(Image credit: Getty Images)

What happened

Chef David Chang is facing public outrage after his Momofuku food line attempted to trademark "Chili Crunch," and sent cease-and-desist letters to other companies before the trademark was approved.

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Rafi Schwartz, The Week US

Rafi Schwartz has worked as a politics writer at The Week since 2022, where he covers elections, Congress and the White House. He was previously a contributing writer with Mic focusing largely on politics, a senior writer with Splinter News, a staff writer for Fusion's news lab, and the managing editor of Heeb Magazine, a Jewish life and culture publication. Rafi's work has appeared in Rolling Stone, GOOD and The Forward, among others.