SINGAPORE: A nyonya kueh chain in Singapore has been
embroiled in a legal tussle with American sandwich chain
Subway.
The owner of the sandwich chain, Florida-based Doctor's Associates,
is suing the owner of Singapore company Subway Niche for trade mark
infringement.
The hearing started on Tuesday.
According to Subway's website, which has been selling sandwiches
since 1965, it is the world's largest fastfood chain with 35,383
stores in 98 countries.
There are five Subway Niche outlets in Singapore - the first of
which was opened in 1987 in the basement of Wisma Atria - which
sell local favourites such as nyonya kueh, nasi lemak, mee siam and
mee rebus. It also sells sandwiches, cakes and pastries.
On October 29, 2007, the owner of Subway Niche received a "cease
and desist" letter from Subway alleging that the former had
infringed on its trademark rights. About a year later, the case
went to court but it was subsequently dismissed.
In May last year, the American sandwich chain recommenced legal
proceedings against Subway Niche. The hearing continues on
Wednesday. - TODAY
