Kroger takes Lidl US to court over own brand trademark

CINCINNATI — Kroger on Friday filed litigation against Lidl US for infringing on the grocer's own private label program.



At issue is Lidl US' own brand "Preferred Selection," which Kroger charges is virtually indentical to that company's store label "Private Selection." "Lidl's actions herein have been willful and deliberate acts of infringement and unfair competition, which will cause irreparable harm and other damages to Kroger," Kroger stated in its suit filing.



According to the lawsuit, Kroger first opposed Lidl US' use of "Preferred Selection" through the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board of the United States Patent and Trade Office in March.



Lidl US has not yet responded to the suit, according to court documents published on June 30, and likewise has not issued any statements addressing the suit.