Weetabix in corn war with Nestle

FOR 70 years, Weetabix breakfast cereal packets have proudly sported an ear of corn logo as a reference to its whole grain recipe.

The ear of corn has been such a part of Weetabix's history that it is even featured on the District of Kettering Scout badge because Weetabix is based in Northamptonshire.

But while Scouts are acceptable, Weetabix alleges that Swiss food giant Nestle is using a similar logo on its own cereal packets, namely Shredded Wheat, Clusters, Shreddies and Cheerios.

Weetabix says this could confuse the public. Weetabix's golden ear of corn is on a red disc and is trademarked for its breakfast cereals. Nestle's cereal packets have a white ear of corn set in a red heart.

Weetabix, which was sold for £642m by the founding George family to US venture capital group Hicks Muse Tate & Furst in 2003, claims Nestle has infringed its trademark and has refused to give undertakings to stop using the disputed logo. Now Weetabix is seeking a High Court injunction banning Nestle from using a similar logo on its cereal packets.

Weetabix is also demanding that Nestle hands over all related documents and materials and that it reveals any related profits.

According to the writ, Nestle has also used its ear of corn on promotional and advertising material. A spokeswoman for Nestle said the company could not make any comment.