"Startup's Demise: McDonald's Ice Cream Machine Hackers Uncover the 'Smoking Gun'"

McDonald's ice cream machine hackers, Kytch, claim to have found evidence that Taylor, the soft-serve machine maker, conspired with McDonald's to undermine their startup. Kytch had developed an internet-connected gadget to monitor and diagnose issues with McDonald's ice cream machines. However, in November 2020, McDonald's warned franchisees not to use Kytch, citing safety concerns. Kytch now alleges that Taylor engineered this email to eliminate competition, with evidence pointing to an email from the CEO of Taylor's parent company, Middleby. Kytch has filed a motion in its ongoing lawsuit against Taylor, accusing them of trade libel and tortious interference.