The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) said NutriAsia Inc., makers of popular condiments, has filed a case against Hard Discount Philippines Inc., operator of grocery chain Dali Everyday Grocery, for IP rights violations.
A document from the agency showed case number V/2023/10 also asked the Bureau of Legal Affairs of IPOPHL for the issuance of a writ of preliminary injunction.
NutriAsia has accused Hard Discount for trademark infringement, unfair competition and copyright infringement.
When sought for comment, Rowel Barba, IPOPHL director-general, said the case is still pending with the agency.
Both NutriAsia and Hard Discount could not be reached for comment.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in a press statement last week said it is actively investigating potential deceptive or unfair practices of Dali following a complaint of consumer rights group, Malayang Konsyumer. DTI has also forwarded a portion of Malayang Konsyumer’s concerns to the Department of Interior and Local Government , seeking further action in inspecting sanitary regulations, weighing scale issues, and other relevant matters.
The DTI said during routine checks from January to April, all 82 Dali branches monitored have complied with the suggested retail price and Price Tag Law.
