Salt Lick BBQ’s Legal Battle Ends in Favor of Branding

Atmosphere at Salt Lick BBQ with diners and barbecue grills

Driftwood, Texas, November 23, 2025

Salt Lick BBQ has resolved a two-year legal dispute with Salt Lick Sausage Company over trademark infringement. The Texas establishment sued the Georgia-based company in 2015, claiming brand confusion due to similar naming and website design. The case was dismissed in 2017, granting domain ownership to the Georgia company. Despite the legal setback, Salt Lick BBQ continues to thrive, serving its signature barbecue in Driftwood, Texas, and emphasizing the importance of brand protection in the food industry.

Driftwood, Texas

Salt Lick BBQ’s Two-Year Legal Dispute Concludes

Salt Lick BBQ, a renowned Texas barbecue establishment, has resolved a two-year legal dispute that began in 2015. The lawsuit, filed in August 2015, accused the Georgia-based Salt Lick Sausage Company of trademark infringement, alleging that the company’s name and website closely resembled Salt Lick BBQ’s established brand. The Texas restaurant sought to prevent the Georgia company from using similar branding and requested the transfer of the domain name associated with the infringing website. The case was dismissed in August 2017, with the court granting the Georgia company ownership of the disputed domain name. This legal action was part of Salt Lick BBQ’s ongoing efforts to protect its brand identity and maintain its reputation in the competitive barbecue industry. The Driftwood location, where the dispute originated, continues to operate, offering its signature barbecue to patrons.

Background on Salt Lick BBQ

Established in 1967, Salt Lick BBQ has become a staple in Texas cuisine, known for its traditional barbecue methods and family recipes that trace back to the mid-1800s. The original location in Driftwood, Texas, serves as the heart of the operation, with additional venues in Round Rock and at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. The restaurant offers a variety of smoked meats, including beef brisket, pork ribs, and sausage, all prepared using time-honored techniques.

Trademark Infringement Case Details

In August 2015, Salt Lick BBQ filed a lawsuit against the Georgia-based Salt Lick Sausage Company, alleging that the company’s name and website design were too similar to Salt Lick BBQ’s established brand. The Texas restaurant claimed that the Georgia company’s branding could cause confusion among consumers and potentially dilute the strength of its trademark. The lawsuit sought to prevent the Georgia company from using the infringing name and requested the transfer of the disputed domain name. The case was dismissed in August 2017, with the court granting the Georgia company ownership of the domain name.

Implications for Brand Protection

This legal action underscores the importance of vigilant brand protection in the food industry. As businesses expand and new competitors emerge, safeguarding brand identity becomes crucial to maintaining consumer trust and market position. The resolution of this case highlights the complexities involved in trademark disputes and the necessity for companies to proactively monitor and defend their intellectual property rights.

Salt Lick BBQ’s Ongoing Operations

Despite the legal challenges, Salt Lick BBQ continues to serve its loyal customers. The Driftwood location remains open, offering its signature barbecue dishes. The restaurant’s commitment to quality and tradition has solidified its status as a beloved institution in Texas cuisine.

Contact Information

For more information or to make a reservation, visit Salt Lick BBQ’s official website or contact the Driftwood location directly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the nature of the legal dispute involving Salt Lick BBQ?

In August 2015, Salt Lick BBQ filed a lawsuit against the Georgia-based Salt Lick Sausage Company, alleging trademark infringement due to similarities in name and website design. The case was dismissed in August 2017, with the court granting the Georgia company ownership of the disputed domain name.

How long did the legal dispute last?

The legal dispute lasted approximately two years, from August 2015 to August 2017.

Is Salt Lick BBQ still operating?

Yes, Salt Lick BBQ continues to operate its Driftwood location, offering its signature barbecue dishes to patrons.

Where are the other Salt Lick BBQ locations?

In addition to the Driftwood location, Salt Lick BBQ has venues in Round Rock and at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

How can I contact Salt Lick BBQ for more information?

For more information or to make a reservation, visit Salt Lick BBQ’s official website or contact the Driftwood location directly.

Key Features of the Article

Feature Description
Legal Dispute Salt Lick BBQ filed a lawsuit against the Georgia-based Salt Lick Sausage Company in August 2015, alleging trademark infringement. The case was dismissed in August 2017, with the court granting the Georgia company ownership of the disputed domain name.
Salt Lick BBQ Locations Salt Lick BBQ operates in Driftwood, Round Rock, and at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, continuing to serve its signature barbecue dishes to patrons.
Brand Protection The legal action highlights the importance of vigilant brand protection in the food industry to maintain consumer trust and market position.

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The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.

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