McVitie's to Change Packaging in Ireland After Jacob's Wins Injunction

Jacob's sought an injunction against the launch of both the fig rolls and cream crackers ahead of a full hearing that might not take place until next year.

19/10/2007 McVitie's will change the packaging of its fig rolls for the Irish market after rival supplier Jacob Fruitfield (Jacob's) argued that the design was a copycat of its own product.

Dublin-based Jacob's won an injunction against the launch of the McVitie's fig rolls in Ireland after arguing that the packaging was deliberately similar to that of its own products and would confuse consumers.

McVitie's will have to stop distribution of its existing fig roll packets, although it does not have to recall existing packs from stores.

Mr Justice Frank Clarke, who oversaw proceedings in the High Court in Dublin, also ruled that McVitie's cream crackers could be sold in their current packaging.

Jacob's sought an injunction against the launch of both the fig rolls and cream crackers ahead of a full hearing that might not take place until next year.

Paul Parkins, director of Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland for McVitie's owner United Biscuits, said he was disappointed by the decision but the company already planned to "amend the packaging of its fig rolls to further distinguish them as McVitie's products".

He added: "We will continue with the launch of our McVitie's cream crackers in the proposed packaging so that there is no delay in Irish shoppers gaining better choice."