Forget dude food – two of Melbourne's more fashionable dining destinations are in the middle of a trademark dispute over the revival of the topless bar theme night known as Schnitz 'n Tits.

It's a war of wording between a Melbourne man determined to preserve the concept of crumbed chicken served by topless waitresses and the owners of the St Kilda hotel that made Schnitz 'n Tits famous – or infamous – in the first place.

Jeff Yates and waitress Tayla. Yates will bring Schnitz 'n Tits to Red Bennies on Chapel street tonight. Credit:Pat Scala

On Thursday night, Jeff Yates will bring Schnitz 'n Tits to the gentrified mainstream when he launches the saucy concept at popular cocktail and cabaret bar Red Bennies, on fashionable Chapel Street.

And come August – if not before – trendy eatery and the original home of Melbourne's Schnitz 'n Tits, the Newmarket Hotel in St Kilda, will bring back its Schnitz 'n Tits nights – only it won't be able to call it that.