AussieMite takes on OzEmite

The Australian owned family company AussieMite that makes a Vegemite alternative of the same name is taking on Dick Smith's OzEmite in court.

The South Australian company founded by Roger Ramsey, wants Dick Smith Foods’ OzEmite brand removed from the trademarks register, which would leave it open to a trademark infringement claim.

AussieMite was launched to market ten years before Dick Smith's product, however, Smith registered the OzEmite trademark in October 1999, a year and a half ahead of Ramsey, according to a Sydney Morning Herald report.

Also, all of the profits made from OzEmite go to charity, and about 500,000 jars have reportedly been sold since it was launched last June.

Smith told SMH he would not fight the application.

"We’re not even going to appear,’’ he said. ‘‘This is ridiculous. We’re doing this for charity.''

Smith said losing the trademark would be ‘‘a catastrophe for us and for Dick Smith Foods’’.

However, he said the product could be re-launched under a new name.