Supermac's owner Pat McDonagh said he still plans to expand the fast food outlet into Europe, despite the recent EU ruling against the company.
Supermac's may choose to operate in Europe under a different brand, McDonagh told the Irish Independent. "If we can't use Supermac's and we have to use something else, we will still do it," he said.
The owner of the Galway-based business said he plans to appeal the decision made by the EU Office for Harmonistation in the Internal Market, which, while granting a trademark name in Europe, ruled out the possibility of the restaurant selling the vast majority of its products, effectively blocking the possibility of a Supermac's outside Ireland.
The EU supported the claim made by fast food giant McDonald's that a Supermac's franchise in Europe would create confusion for customers due to their similar name.
Previously, McDonagh said: "[We are] renewing our commitment to fair competition in Ireland and elsewhere and remain suspicious of the motivation of McDonald’s in seeking to limit competition in the food sector."
