Irn Bru sues supermarket over 'imitation' drink
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A legal battle is brewing between the makers of Irn Bru and Lidl, the discount supermarket group, over the remarkable similarity between Lidl's "Iron Brew" product and the popular Scottish pick-me-up.
AG Barr, makers of Irn Bru, have issued a writ against Lidl claiming that Iron Brew, which shares the same blue and gold colour packaging as the Barr product, infringes its trademark.
The writ demands the withdrawal of the product from Lidl's shelves, a share of the supermarket group's profits from the sale of Iron Brew, and further undisclosed damages.
Neither AG Barr or Lidl would comment on the case, but it is understood that Lidl are keen to settle quickly and have made an undisclosed offer to Barr.
The "Brew war" is the latest in a series of battles between manufacturers and supermarkets over own brand imitations. Last month the High Court ruled that Asda had infringed United Biscuits' Penguin trademark with its similarly-packaged "Puffin" biscuits. Grand Metropolitan is also suing the supermarket over alleged infringements of some of its drinks trademarks.
The British Brands Group, a lobbying organisation for the large food manufacturers, has called on the Government to tighten legislation to stop supermarkets from stacking shelves with own-label products whose packaging makes them hard to distinguish from the real thing.
Three weeks ago, Tesco, which has packaged its own-label products in similar style to a number of well-known brands, offered an olive branch to manufacturers by stating that it would take steps to differentiate its own label goods. Sainsbury is believed to have taken a similar stance.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments