THE use of the word "Scrumpy" in a new Irish cider has led to an objection by a rival British company, the High Court heard yesterday. Miss Justice Laffoy was told the Irish cider market is worth £70 million.
Symonds Cider and English Wine Co Ltd, which owns the "Scrumpy Jack" brand, has objected to a new canned cider by Showerings Ltd, of Clonmel.
Ms Fidelma Macken SC, for Symonds, applied for an interlocutory injunction to restrain the Clonmel company infringing the Scrumpy Jack trademark until the hearing of the action.
Mr Michael McDowell SC, for Showerings, said the key issue was the meaning of "Scrumpy" - rough English cider.
Ms Macken said she was objecting to affidavits from experts on behalf of Showerings who claimed the word "Scrumpy" was known in Ireland.
The hearing continues today.