An American-based food producer has issued High Court proceedings against a Dublin food company it claims is selling pounded yam in “nearly identical” packaging to its own.
In its court action, the company says it has been selling its ‘OLA-OLA’ branded products to wholesalers and retail outlets in Ireland since 2007.It claims to have seen a “noticeable decline” in orders of the West African staple and in some instances a cessation of orders by retailers who regularly bought the product.
Patrick Leonard SC, for Stela, said his client also consented to three injunctions restraining it and its agents from passing off products as or for Stela’s OLA-OLA Authentic Pounded Yam or infringing copyright of Fayus in this packaging. Mr Yusufu alleges he became aware of the allegedly infringing product being sold in “nearly identical” trade dress to his company’s product.