The Wadia Group is reportedly preparing legal action against Danone, its joint venture partner in Britannia Industries, over the company’s use of the Tiger biscuit brand in other international markets.
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Britannia produces biscuits, breads and cakes for the Indian market. The venture dates back to 1990, with Danone holding a 50.95% stake in Britannia with India’s Wadia group controlling the remaining 49.05% of the company’s capital.
The long-running dispute over intellectual property rights has seen relations between the two groups soured to the point where Danone has been denied access to Britannia’s financial results.
Danone sells the Tiger brand, which was established in 1995 by Britannia, in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Pakistan and Egypt. It has reportedly registered it in 70 other countries.
According to a report in the Financial Times today (13 April), Wadia has given legal notice to the French food giant to return intellectual licensing rights.
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By GlobalDataWadia has claimed that Britannia’s board was not notified of the launch of the Tiger brand in other markets, an accusation that a spokesperson for Danone told just-food was incorrect.
Danone confirmed that it is in talks with Wadia, but declined to comment on the report that Wadia has commenced legal proceedings.
“We are in ongoing communications with Wadia,” a spokesperson for the French food group told just-food.
