IPOPHL issues injunction against Dali grocery following ‘confusingly similar’ products with NutriAsia
NutriAsia has filed several complaints against Hard Discount Grocery, which operates the DALI grocery chain due to copyright infringement issues.
The multinational food company, represented by Cruz Marcelo and Tenefrancia, has filed a complaint of trademark infringement, unfair competition, and copyright infringement against Dali stores.
The subject products are DALI’s Kulina catsup and chili sauce, and Rajah Puro vinegar and soy sauce which had a “confusingly similar” packaging to Nutri-Asia’s popular condiments UFC and Datu Puti.
According to the law firm, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) has issued an injunction based on the complaints, which will “preserve Datu Puti and UFC’s well-established goodwill and reputation.”
“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,” they wrote in the statement.
Before this, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said in May that they were “actively investigating potential deceptive or unfair practices at Dali stores” as part of its commitment to uphold consumer protection.
DTI Consumer Protection Group Assistant Secretary Amanda Nograles told TeleRadyo that DALI faces 13 complaints filed by a consumer rights group.
"Andami hong mga complaints na nakarating samin... na mayroon daw kalokohang ginagawa ang staff, 'yung mga napagkakaalamang shoplifter 'yung mga consumer, arogante at bastos daw 'yung kahera, tapos 'yung mga kulang na timbang daw sa manok sinisiksikan ng yelo. May mga sanitary issues din tayo at issue sa priority lane for PWDs at senior citizens," she said in June.
DALI Everyday Grocery currently has over 250 branches nationwide.
PhilSTAR L!fe has reached out to DALI and IPOPHL for further comment. Meanwhile, CMTL told L!fe that it has no additional comments to make at this time.