2023-11-07 23:06:31
“It’s a great relief, I can now use my parents’ brand legally, on all my products,” says Sophie Papagheorghiou, company manager. Helene authentic Greece, based in Cologne (Gers). It was close to my heart, it’s my mother’s first name and it’s consistent with our products, their tastes and our history between France and Greece. »
After two years of legal proceedings, the boss of this family SME which offers organic, artisanal and Greek products has brought down a large food group which contested the name of her brand. On October 31, the Bordeaux Court of Appeal authorized her to use the Hélène Délices grises brand, dismissing the Breton company which was suing her.
5000 euros fine
It all started in 2021 when the Gers business leader registered her brand with the National Institute of Intellectual Property (Inpi), seven years after taking over her parents’ company. The Triballat Noyal group, now Olga, owner of the Tante Hélène brand, which markets fresh products, sent her a registered letter, judging its name too close.
It was ultimately the Inpi which made the decision, authorizing the Gers company to use this name for grocery products, but not fresh produce. “Feta is one of my best products, so I could not accept this decision and decided to take legal action. »
The agri-food group ultimately lost and was ordered to pay a fine of 5,000 euros to the Gers company. He has two months to possibly appeal to the Court of Cassation.
#Helena #war #small #Gers #company #brings #agrifood #giant