Nestlé has been fighting over the "Felix" brand in Sweden for years
Nestlé is in a dispute in Sweden with the Norwegian food producer Orkla over the rights to the «Felix» brand.
The company confirms the dispute to Handelszeitung. The company is silent on the details. "We do not comment on ongoing legal proceedings," says a spokesperson.
The Norwegians produce ready meals under the "Felix" brand, while Nestlé produces pet food. The two have been arguing in court for years. The legal costs now add up to 11 million Swedish kronor - the equivalent of 1.5 million Swiss francs. This is a record. In the history of the Scandinavian country, there has never been a more expensive trademark dispute.
So far, the Norwegians have had the better cards in court. The responsible trademark and patent court in Stockholm ruled against Nestlé in the first instance. The Norwegians registered the trademark before Nestlé did. The name was known to consumers. For Swedish buyers, there would be a risk of confusing the two brands, the court said, explaining the decision.
Nestlé has appealed against this decision. A decision is still pending. The court costs will be charged to the party that ultimately loses. Meanwhile, Nestlé uses the "Pussi", "Lantz" or "Purina" brands to sell its pet food in Sweden.
