A Florida-based restaurant chain is suing a competitor with a similar name and menu, alleging trademark infringement.

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Michael Chow, proprietor of the Mr. Chow chain of Chinese restaurants, filed a lawsuit in federal court in Miami against former employee Philippe Chow, 53, who is not related to Michael Chow, after he opened a chain of Chinese restaurants called Philippe by Philippe Chow, The Miami Herald reported Monday.

The lawsuit, which is seeking more than $20 million in damages, accuses Philippe Chow of stealing the restaurant's name, recipes and style in an attempt to dupe customers into thinking Philippe Chow and Mr. Chow are the same person.

Philippe Chow counter-sued Michael Chow on defamation grounds, alleging he created the original Mr. Chow's menu with his mentor, Sik Chung Lam.