DALI mum on alleged IP rights violations

MANILA, Philippines — Retailer DALI Everyday Grocery is keeping its mouth shut amid accusations of copyright infringements on the company.

Hard Discount Philippines Inc., the operator of the fast-rising grocery chain, and its officials remained mum on its alleged intellectual property rights violations.

A company representative has told The STAR that “the matter is currently subject to sub judice.”

DALI prides itself of offering alternatives that cater to everyday needs by delivering high-quality products at the most competitive prices.

Since starting commercial operations in February 2020 with the opening of the first franchised store in Santa Rosa, Laguna, DALI has managed to grow its retail stores across Luzon.

Amid the company’s rise, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL), however, ordered DALI to stop selling some of its products following a complaint filed by food manufacturer NutriAsia Inc., the company behind popular brands such as Datu Puti and UFC.

NutriAsia filed with the Bureau of Legal Affairs of IPOPHL a complaint for trademark infringement, unfair competition and copyright infringement with prayer for damages and writ of preliminary injunction against Hard Discount Philippines.

The complaint alleged DALI of selling Kulina catsup and chili sauce as well as Rajah Puro vinegar and soy sauce in packaging confusingly similar to Nutri-Asia’s UFC and Datu Puti products.

A preliminary injunction has been issued by IPOPHL but the hearing of the case continues.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) last May said it was also actively investigating potential deceptive or unfair practices at DALI Stores following complaints raised by the consumer rights group Malayang Konsyumer.

The DTI, however, noted all 82 DALI branches monitored have complied with the suggested retail price and Price Tag Law during routine checks from January to April 2024.

The agency said it has also forwarded a portion of Malayang Konsyumer’s concerns to the Department of the Interior and Local Government, seeking further action in inspecting sanitary regulations, weighing scale issues and other relevant matters.