This is not any trade mark dispute, this is an M&S trade mark dispute

M&S trade mark dispute

M&S appear to be claiming that Cuthbert infringes various of its trade marks and also amounts to a passing off of its rights. The claim relies on trade marks for the word COLIN THE CATERPILLAR (and, we suspect, a similar registration for Colin’s girlfriend CONNIE THE CATERPILLAR) but also a registration for the packaging that Colin comes in, as well as the shape of the cake itself. To succeed M&S will need to demonstrate that Cuthbert causes confusion amongst consumers (i.e. that consumers buy Cuthbert thinking its an M&S product or is otherwise authorised by M&S) or that Cuthbert is free-riding on Colin’s reputation and thus results in an unfair advantage for Aldi.

Aldi previous 'lookalike' cases

Aldi are however no stranger to such ‘lookalike’ cases and their reputation for selling ‘lookalike’ products plays into their hands in cases such as this. Indeed Aldi were able to see off a claim by Morroconoil back in 2014, in that case Aldi were selling a ‘lookalike’ of Morroconoil but whilst the Judge noted the “cheeky” similarities between the products it was deemed that there was no confusion because, ultimately, consumers know that Aldi sell lookalikes and thus are aware they are not buying the genuine article.

But, Aldi don’t always come out on top. In another 2014 case The Saucy Fish Co succeeded in obtaining a preliminary injunction against Aldi relating to the use of the term SAUCY on distinctive packaging for fresh fish. In that case The Saucy Fish Co (as with M&S) had registered trade marks for the design of their packaging and, ultimately, that proved decisive.

How will it be resolved?

We will have to wait to see how the case pans out but wouldn’t be surprised if it is resolved out of court. Last year Brewdog had a spat with Aldi about their Punk IPA. Brewdog felt that Aldi had copied their beer and, instead of going to court, created their own ALDIPA (copying Aldi’s branding) resulting in much media attention and, ultimately, Brewdog supplied Aldi with ALDIPA. Who knows, maybe Cuthbert could end up joining Colin and Connie in the M&S caterpillar family…..

What does the M&S trade mark dispute mean for you?

If you have any doubts about what the case might mean for your intellectual property or you wish to register a trade mark, please get in touch with our specialist trade mark lawyers.