Food Empire can't use 'Mc' or 'Mac' in EU, court rules

Singapore

SINGAPORE-LISTED Food Empire has lost to global fast-food chain McDonald's in the use of "Mc" or "Mac" in trademark names for its foodstuff and beverages in the European Union.

The firm said on Thursday morning that Europe's second-highest court, the General Court in Luxembourg, has ruled in favour of McDonald's, in the case where its wholly owned subsidiary Future Enterprises Pte Ltd challenged the European Union Intellectual Property Office's rejection of its application to register "MacCoffee" as an EU trademark. "The directors of the company are disappointed with the General Court's decision," Food Empire said. "The company's legal counsel are studying the judgement with a view to appealing against this decision."