TikTok creators SpudBrothers say their family has received threats after a viral dispute with a small UK food business known as The Spud Father over the rights to a potato-themed name.
The Spud Father claimed in a Facebook post that they’d been “threatened with legal action” from SpudBrothers regarding the use of their name, alleging the viral TikTok duo had “trademarked several potato-related words” and were trying to prevent them from using “The Spud Father.” The business described the experience as “gutting” and “mentally and emotionally draining.”
According to The Spud Father, the timing of the filing raised concerns. “They filed for trademark as soon as they saw us opening,” the business wrote. “They opened the express store in November 2024 — why did they not trademark it then? As soon as we shared we are opening and our name, and that they are looking to open in Portsmouth, they filed for the trademark.”
SpudBrothers address viral potato trademark drama
In a TikTok video addressing the backlash, SpudBrothers denied taking legal action and said the situation had escalated to the point where their family was being harassed.
“When an army of people are threatening your three-year-old daughter… you’re getting threats they’re gonna burn your tram down,” one of the brothers said. “We’re not suing anybody — that is not what we’re doing and what we are about.”
The creators explained they applied to trademark SpudFather in June 2025, which was officially registered in September. They said a separate company later tried to trademark the same name, prompting their lawyers to send a clarification letter through the UK’s Intellectual Property Office. “We have to protect what we’ve built,” they said, adding that the brand name was inspired by their father, who has battled cancer and has long gone by “The Spud Father” online.
The dispute has divided fans across social media, with some calling for calm after both sides said the situation had taken a serious emotional toll. Neither party has indicated plans to pursue the matter further.
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