THE Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPhl) has ordered a grocery chain to pull out some products from its shelves after it was determined to be very similar to popular brands.

In a statement, the legal representative of Nutri-Asia Inc. said that IPOPhl has ordered DALI Everyday Grocer to remove three products from its shelves because they are "confusingly similar" to Nutri-Asia's established brands.

Nutri-Asia, represented by Cruz Marcelo and Tenefrancia law firm, filed with the Bureau of Legal Affairs of the IPOPhl a complaint for trademark infringement, unfair competition and copyright infringement with prayer for damages and writ of preliminary injunction against the operator of the grocery chain.

The law firm also said that IPOPhl through the Bureau of Legal Affairs has issued an injunction against hard discount store DALI based on the complaint it lodged on behalf of Nutri-Asia.

Nutri-Asia claims that the supermarket chain is selling products with packaging that closely resembles Nutri-Asia's UFC Banana Ketchup, Datu Puti Vinegar and Datu Puti Soy Sauce.

"During the injunction hearings, our legal team has successfully established Nutri-Asia's IP (intellectual property) rights over two of the Philippines' most popular household brands against DALI," the law firm said.

When asked for comments, the operator of the grocery chain was unable to reply by deadline.

IPOPhl Director General Rowel Barba said that they were still waiting for feedback from the agency's Bureau of Legal Affairs, which is handling the case.

"True that our Bureau of Legal Affairs issued a preliminary injunction in the case. But this is just preliminary," Barba said in a private message.

He added that the hearings on the merits of the case would continue.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) earlier said that it was actively investigating potential deceptive or unfair practices at DALI Stores as part of its commitment to uphold consumer protection.