Sausage makers settle dust-up over 'backyard brat'

MILWAUKEE — Two Wisconsin sausage companies have settled their legal battle over who can call their product a "backyard brat."

Klement Sausage Co. sued Johnsonville Sausage in federal court for trademark infringement. The Milwaukee company says it trademarked "backyard bratwurst" in 2009 and that Johnsonville's use of the phrase "backyard grilled brat" violated federal and state law.

The Sheboygan Falls company says it has agreed to stop using the term and that it dropped the phrase following a cease-and-desist notification from Klement last May.

WLUK-TV reports that Johnsonville says it has destroyed all labels, signs, packaging or other materials that violated the copyright.

Klement sponsors the popular Racing Sausages that appear at Milwaukee Brewers' home games.