Hollywood Chicken Restaurant Called Angry Birdz Sued Over Name

LOS ANGELES -- As a song from the '60s once exclaimed, the bird is the word.

A chicken restaurant on Hollywood Boulevard called 'Angry Birdz' is being sued over it's name and logo by the owner of the Angry Birds video game franchise.

Finnish company Rovio Entertainment, which created and owns the rights to Angry Birds, is suing over copyright infringement, claiming that the Southern food restaurant Angry Birdz, which specializes in hot chicken, has no right to use the name -- even though the spelling is altered.

According to multiple media reports, Rovio Entertainment sent a cease and desist letter to Angry Birdz owners David and Mary Mkhitaryan in February, but after receiving no response, initiated lawsuit proceedings.

Rovio, which released the first Angry Birds game in December 2009, is seeking an unspecified amount of money. The Angry Birds franchise has grown during its nearly 10-year existence to include spin-off video games, comic books, merchandise and multiple animated series.

The owners of the Angry Birdz restaurant have not responded to requests for comment on the lawsuit.