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Mr Nusli Wadia

Our Bureau

Bangalore, Sept. 20 Britannia Industries has initiated legal action against Groupe Danone in Singapore pertaining to the use of its biscuit brand — Tiger abroad.

In a quick reaction to Britannia’s move, Groupe Danone, which is an equal shareholder in Associated Biscuits that owns the biscuit company, said that it had “tried to find a solution amicably.”

“As already explained, we have different positions regarding IP (intellectual property) of Tiger. We have tried to find a solution amicably. The judge will be welcome to arbitrate,” a spokesperson from Groupe Danone told Business Line.

Britannia’s statement said the IPR Committee of the Board of Britannia was created in May 2006 to deal with all IPR matters of the company and for the last year has been working to resolve the issue of the use and registration of Tiger by Groupe Danone in several countries, without the consent or authorisation of the Britannia Board.

Additionally, Mr Nusli Wadia, Chairman of Britannia, on Wednesday resigned from the IPR Committee to ensure that there is no potential conflict of interest in dealing with the Tiger IPR matter and the discussions between the Wadia Group and Groupe Danone over shareholder matters.

The IPR committee will now consist of the Managing Director of Britannia, Ms Vinita Bali, and three independent directors, Mr Nimesh Kampani, Mr Keki Dadiseth and Dr Vijay Kelkar, who will also chair this committee.

Groupe Danone had in June this year told Business Li ne that the talks with the Wadias over the dispute was progressing smoothly and a settlement could be reached by the end of July.

This was probably because of the urgency and eagerness of Groupe Danone to enter the dairy and beverages business in India which was driving a quick settlement over the IPR dispute.

However, the talks seem to have hit a rough patch since then as the Wadias have now decided to take the issue to court.

More Stories on : Dairy & Dairy Products | Corporate Disputes | IPR

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