The Hindu Business Line : `Intellectual property rights issue will not hit Britannia-Danone tie-up'

The ongoing IPR (intellectual property rights) issue between Britannia and its joint venture partner Group Danone over the `Tiger' brand in no way means that the association between the two companies is in jeopardy, said a highly placed source.

Danone had reportedly registered the Tiger brand, belonging to Britannia, in over 70 countries. After a follow-up by Britannia, Danone agreed to return the IPR to Britannia. The companies are in discussion and the issue is expected to be resolved soon.

The source said the brand belongs to Britannia and the company has every right to protect its IP rights. "The fact that Danone has agreed to return the brand to Britannia meant that Tiger rightfully belongs to Britannia alone."

The source said Britannia would have taken up the IPR issue even if the Wadia group had been involved. "Britannia is not a subsidiary of either Danone or the Wadia group" but is an "associate" of these two companies, contrary to common perception. Clarifying that IPR issues were a regular feature in most corporates, the source said Britannia's IPR issue with Danone does not indicate that the joint venture is in trouble.

Britannia sells glucose biscuits under the `Tiger' brand name. The company is believed to be the leader in all biscuit categories in the country except glucose in which Parle has an edge.

More Stories on : IPR | Food & Dairy Products

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
Cricinfo to bat for brand new innings

Geojit's gambit to secure future clients

H&R Johnson to diversify

Airtel cuts price

Widen coverage in rural areas, Kalam tells NIC

`Intellectual property rights issue will not hit Britannia-Danone tie-up'

Patent row over Pogo brand name

HyperCity on expansion spree

Shell opens outlet in Hyderabad

McDonald's opens third outlet

Levi's iPod jeans in India

Mediclaim for senior citizens unveiled

Fastest bike launched in AP town