Writs issued over Asda packaging

Supermarket chain Asda is embroiled in another copycat packaging row this week, following the issue of writs by Grand Metropolitan which allege passing off and copyright infringements by four of Asda’s own-brand drinks products.

In October the supermarket chain was accused by McVitie’s of copying Penguin biscuits with its own-brand Puffin range.

IDV, the spirits division of GrandMet, claims two of its brands, Malibu and Archers, and two which it distributes in the UK, – Jack Daniels and Southern Comfort – have been copied by Asda.

Asda introduced the controversial brands, Windward White Rum, Peach Schnapps, Deep South and Daniel Booner’s, at the beginning of October. The retailer will not reveal which consultancy designed the packaging, saying it is “commercially sensitive”. The writs were issued last week.

GrandMet wants the packaging removed from Asda’s shelves, but is not seeking compensation. A spokesman for Asda says that the case “will be defended rigorously and robustly”.