Perdue Foods has filed a lawsuit against John Soules Foods over a dispute involving frozen chicken nugget products shaped like the numerals “6” and “7,” both branded under the popular slang phrase “6-7.” The legal action was initiated in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia on June 23, with Perdue alleging trademark infringement, false designation of origin, unfair competition, and trade dress violations.
The term “six-seven” is commonly used among Generation Alpha to convey swagger or insider status, a meaning noted in Dictionary.com definitions cited by Perdue in its complaint. Perdue alleges that John Soules Foods’ “6-7” chicken nugget product employs a packaging design and logo that closely resemble Perdue’s, causing consumer confusion.
Perdue introduced its “6-7” chicken nuggets in April, with the product available in Walmart stores nationwide from May 1. Prior to the launch, Perdue filed several trademark applications covering product images, including packaging artwork depicting the shaped nuggets accompanied by cartoon hands positioned beneath the numerals.
John Soules Foods, operating under the brand Soules Kitchen, announced its version of “6-7” chicken nuggets on June 7, with distribution planned at Kroger and Aldi retail locations starting in July. The company has collaborated with Maverick Trevillian, a teenager nicknamed “the 67 kid” following viral attention from a basketball game gesture in 2025. According to Soules Foods, Trevillian contributed to product development to enhance both the nugget shape and eating experience.
Perdue claims in its filing that Soules’ packaging replicates “core source-identifying elements” of its own design, including the breaded chicken numeral figures and the cartoon hands beneath them. Soules’ packaging also features a cartoon character resembling Trevillian, further distinguishing its branding.
Perdue states it issued a cease-and-desist letter to Soules on June 9, demanding cessation of the disputed packaging use. Soules responded on June 17, refusing to comply. The lawsuit cites instances of consumer confusion, including social media commentary mistakenly reporting availability of Soules’ nuggets at Walmart prior to their official release. Perdue also alleges that a major national grocery retailer declined to carry its “6-7” chicken nuggets due to overlap with the competing Soules product.
Perdue argues that the imitation packaging and branding by Soules Foods have the potential to dilute its reputation and goodwill by misleading consumers regarding the source of the “6-7” chicken nuggets. John Soules Foods has stated it disagrees with the claims and has retained legal counsel to defend its position. Requests for comment from Perdue were not immediately returned.