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Kytch

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US Government Backs McDonald's Franchise Owners in Ice Cream Machine Battle

Originally Published 1 year ago — by New York Post

The federal government is supporting McDonald's franchise owners in their battle to use third-party devices to fix chronically broken ice cream machines, as broken-down machines cost business owners $625 in lost sales per day. The FTC and the Department of Justice are seeking an exemption to copyright law to allow business owners to repair commercial and industrial equipment, arguing that not allowing third-party repairs limits competition and increases costs. The battle stems from McDonald's denying franchise owners the ability to use a high-tech gadget called Kytch, prompting lawsuits and investigations.

business businesstechnology businesstechnology copyright-law ftc ice-cream-machines kytch mcdonalds

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

Originally Published 2 years ago — by Slashdot

Source: Slashdot

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.

technology business business ice-cream-machines kytch lawsuit mcdonalds taylor