when in doubt, sue!

P&G steps up copycats fight
By Jeremy Grant in Washington
Published: March 15 2006 02:00 | Last updated: March 15 2006 02:00

Procter & Gamble yesterday stepped up its fight against private label copycats, issuing its third lawsuit in as many months. The US consumer products group said it had filed a trademark infringement suit against First Quality Hygienic, alleging the private label manufacturer infringed on the registered trademarks and packaging "trade dress" of P&G's Tampax Pearl tampons.

Lynn Dornblaser, director of the custom solutions group at Mintel International, said: "We're seeing more private label options being offered to consumers and more products that seem to be - on the face of it - exactly the same as the major manufacturers'."

P&G last month sued Vi-Jon Industries, alleging that the group's mouthwash packaging and advertising claims infringed on P&G's Crest Pro-Health oral rinse. P&G also settled a suit filed in December against McLane, owned by Berkshire Hathaway. The suit related to P&G's Charmin and NyQuil paper products.

P&G claimed First Quality, whose tampons are sold in Canada under the name Life Brand, was manufacturing products that copied Tampax Pearl packaging, "including the distinctive string of pearls design".


At least someone is brave enought to have a go. Why isn't weightwatcher suing Tesco for running their points on all products without authorisation - distributor power is out of control, somebody has to fight for the cause!

and away we go...

Head spinningly fast, the company takes off like a portuguese stallion leaving me in mid-air and holding on to the reins for dear life.

Suddenly, the last three year's work actually looks set to become a reality and I'm faced with actually having to DO some of the things that i've been pontificating about for so long.....

A mushy morning

Spent this morning tasting mushy peas and now feel slightly pea-ky! However, will definitely celebrate signing of new brand who Golden Goose now proudly represent globally.

'Traction' is the term i use to describe successful business relationships and you can only have traction when people keep their word and trust each other. It's hard to find partners in business who recognise these qualities and stick by them but once you do, there's no limit to what can be achieved.

Museum of Brand Licensing

Visited the Museum of Brands last weekend. A delightful little museum tucked away in a mews off Notting Hill. The wonder of seeing ex-brands that have faded away as market forces apply is a branding ecologists nightmare. All those once loved names etched into the collective consciousness now just a fragment of packaging. Extinction is the only result for company's ignoring change. Brands that once owned massive shares of the ink or boot-blacking market are now just part of the fabric of history.


http://www.museumofbrands.com