Iceland the country thinking about suing Iceland the brand for 'using its name'
A cold war is in the offing after the Icelandic government confirmed that it is considering launching a lawsuit against British supermarket Iceland in a bid to make the chain give up its name.
Iceland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it is mulling filing a suit against the frozen foods giant, 45 years after it was founded.
"I can confirm that this is being looked into, but no decision has been made," a spokesman for Iceland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs told the Press Association.
A spokesman for Iceland said: "Iceland Foods has traded under the Iceland name in the UK since 1970, and is today one of the UK's most recognised brands. We have also traded as Iceland for many years in other EU countries, and in non-EU countries, including Iceland itself.
"We are not aware that our use of the Iceland name has ever caused any confusion with Iceland the country."
The relationship between the supermarket and the Nordic nation has a history of frostiness.
Collapsed Icelandic retail conglomerate Baugur held a controlling stake in the grocer until its collapse in 2009. The stake then fell into the hands of Icelandic banks Landsbanki and Gitnir, which was later acquired as part of a management buy-out led by founder and chief executive Malcolm Walker.
The Deeside-headquartered company has over 800 stores across the UK and employs more than 23,000 staff.
