LOS ANGELES—Fast food chain Taco John’s announced July 18 it has dropped its dispute with Irvine-based Taco Bell over the phrase “Taco Tuesday” and abandoned its trademark. The phrase had been a registered trademark of Taco John’s for 34 years, but in May, Taco Bell filed a petition with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office…

“Taco Tuesday” has recently trended across social media amid a growing effort to free the term from trademark restrictions, with efforts underway in Orange County, California, as well. Among those petitioning the government to cancel the trademark is the fast food restaurant chain Taco Bell, which is headquartered in Irvine. The company submitted the paperwork…