"Chili Crunch Trademark Battles: The Debate Over Food and Culture"

Celebrity chef David Chang's company, Momofuku, has sparked a debate over food and culture by acquiring a trademark for the term "chili crunch," leading to cease-and-desist letters for other brands using the term. This move has caused backlash within the Asian community, with critics calling Momofuku a trademark bully for targeting smaller makers of chili crisp. The debate raises concerns about cultural appropriation and the commercialization of traditional Asian pantry staples, with some arguing that trademarking such terms could hinder the celebration and preservation of cultural products.