IPOPHL directs Dali to pull out products 'confusingly similar' with Nutri-Asia

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has ordered retailer Dali Everyday Grocery to pull out three products from its shelves after determining that these were ''confusingly similar'' to products of Nutri-Asia Inc.

Nutri-Asia, Inc., represented by Cruz Marcelo and Tenefrancia law firm, filed with the Bureau of Legal Affairs of the IPOPHL a complaint for trademark infringement, unfair competition, and copyright infringement with prayer for damages and writ of preliminary injunction against Hard Discount Philippines, which operates Dali.

This was for selling Kulina catsup and chili sauce and the Rajah Puro vinegar and soy sauce, with packages ''confusingly similar to Nutri-Asia’s UFC and Datu Puti products.''

The law firm said that the IPOPHL had issued an injunction against Dali based on the complaint. 

“During the injunction hearings, our legal team has successfully established Nutri-Asia’s IP rights over two of the Philippines’ most popular household brands against Dali. The injunction preserves Datu Puti and UFC’s well-established goodwill and reputation,” the law firm said.

GMA News Online reached out to Joerg Grenewald, chief financial officer of Hard Discount Philippines, for comment but has yet to receive a reply as of posting time.—AOL, GMA Integrated News