CHEYENNE, Wyo. (NEWSnet/AP) — Taco Bell wrapped a win Tuesday in its quest to make “Taco Tuesday” free of trademark restriction. Taco John’s formally abandoned its decades-old claim to own the phrase.

In a filing with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Taco John’s relinquished claim to “Taco Tuesday” in 49 states.

The dispute continues on Jersey Shore, where Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar in Somers Point promised to keep fighting Taco Bell over the exclusive right to hold “Taco Tuesday” promotions in New Jersey.

“We’re hanging in there. We’re sticking by our guns,” said Stephen Altamuro, attorney for Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar.

Taco John’s has worked  to defend its more than 40-year-old trademark in the 49 states. Through the years, the chain has sent cease-and-desist orders to all but Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar that have used a “Taco Tuesday” promotion.

The disputes culminated with Taco Bell filing with U.S. trademark regulators in May to get Taco John’s and Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar to abandon the trademark.

The company’s filing did not specify reason for abandoning the trademark, but CEO Jim Creel said in a statement the cost to keep defending it could be used for other purposes.

Taco Bell will still have a fight on its hands over “Taco Tuesday” in New Jersey, where the Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar attorney said his client laid claim to the trademark even before Taco John’s did in the 1970s.

Taco John’s got its start as a food truck more than 50 years ago. “Taco Tuesday” began with a franchisee in Minnesota coming up with “Taco Twosday” to promote two tacos for 99 cents on a slow day of the week, the company said.

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