At the end of last year, Hershey signed a deal with UK food distributor Food Brokers to launch a series of Hershey products here. It plans to bring Kisses to the UK "on a limited basis" in May.
Mars has applied to trademark 'Kisses' as well as a logo - the word 'Kisses' in capital letters with a pair of cartoon-style lips on either side. However, Hershey trademarked 'Hershey's Kisses' in 1996, and Alison Melling, partner at law firm Marks & Clerk, said it was doubtful whether the UK patent office would approve Mars' application.
Hershey said it was aware of Mars' application, but refused to comment on whether it would oppose it. The UK patent office is still examining Mars' application, lodged on August 29 last year.
Hershey was the subject of a fierce bidding war last year with Nestle, Cadbury and Kraft all vying to buy it, but was taken off the market after a court injunction.
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