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(Alliance News) - Marks & Spencer Group PLC has agreed a settlement with British sweet-maker Swizzels Matlow Ltd after accusing it of copying its much-loved Percy Pigs.
M&S said it had reached an "amicable resolution" with Swizzels, who had agreed to change the design of its Pigs Mugs treats.
M&S lawyers had claimed that the sweets were so alike that customers might have ended up buying the wrong ones.
A 37-page document filed at the High Court in London in November said the Percy Pig brand had generated a GBP131.7 million turnover since its launch in 1993 and currently 271 bags were sold a minute.
In their legal submission, an example was used of a customer who loved the sweets so much they had a tattoo of Percy's face.
An M&S spokesman said: "M&S has a proud history as a leading innovator and for almost 140 years customers have turned to M&S for unique, original, quality products – conceived, created and developed alongside trusted suppliers and produced to the highest standards.
"M&S has made a significant investment in building a strong Percy Pig brand over the past 30 years and believe it is important to protect the registered trademarks relating to Percy Pig's appearance."
Founded in 1928, Derbyshire-based Swizzels is well-known for classics such as Refreshers, Parma Violets and Drumsticks and has been selling its Pigs Mugs sweets since 1996.
M&S has previously taken well-publicised legal action against retailers for infringing their trademarks, but in this case they have taken action against a manufacturer.
Earlier this year, Aldi lost a court battle against Marks & Spencer after being accused of copying its light-up Christmas gin bottles.
The High Court ruled that Aldi infringed the design of its rival's product, in a major blow to the German discounter, which had denied the accusations.
The case was the latest legal wrangle between the companies, after M&S had previously accused the discount supermarket chain of copying the design of its Colin the Caterpillar cake.
The firms reached a settlement over the dispute last year.
Marks & Spencer shares were 0.4% higher at 190.55 pence each on Thursday afternoon in London.
By Josie Clarke, PA Consumer Affairs Correspondent
Press Association: Finance
source: PA
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