Simplot company sues competitor over twisty fry design

Two major french fry producers are facing a court battle over a new twisty fry design.

The Times-News reports the J.R. Simplot company filed a patent infringement lawsuit against McCain Foods in U.S. District Court on Friday, claiming the competitor copied Simplot’s idea for a twisty french fry.

Officials with the Lisle, Illinois-based McCain Foods have not yet filed a response to the lawsuit, and they didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

According to the lawsuit, Simplot introduced the twisty fries called “Sidewinders” in 2013, and the new product was a success. The fries are offered in several varieties, including craft beer batter, seasoned crisps and smoky barbeque flavor.

Simplot says it has a patent for the ornamental features of the fry, and contends in the lawsuit that McCain Foods’ new “Twisted Potato” fries are copycat versions of the Sidewinder fries.

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Information from: The Times-News, http://www.magicvalley.com