Tesco has been forced to make major changes to Clubcard promotions after a legal row with Lidl
TESCO has been ordered to make a major change to its Clubcard promotions after a legal row with Lidl.
Lidl has won a legal battle over its use of a yellow circle logo to highlight Tesco’s Clubcard prizes in store.
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Today, Tesco lost its appeal against a ruling that it infringed the German discounter’s trademark due to its use of a yellow circle on a blue background.
Lidl uses a yellow circle in its main logo, while Tesco uses a yellow circle logo to promote its Clubcard prize promotion.
Shoppers who are members of Tesco’s loyalty program can access lower prices on more than 8,000 products through the Clubcard Price incentive.
Lidl sued Tesco in 202, shortly after it started using the yellow circle.
In a case heard at the High Court last year, the judge ruled in Lidl’s favor – a decision which Tesco appealed.
However, the Court of Appeal upheld Tesco’s appeal against the finding that it infringed Lidl’s copyright.
Copyright is a form of intellectual property that aims to protect the expression of ideas.
While trademarks are marks such as names, logos, etc. and are normally used to protect brands.
A Tesco spokesperson said: “Our customers always tell us how important Clubcard prices are in giving them value for money – and it has been a key reason why we are consistently the cheapest full-range grocer.
“We are disappointed with the ruling regarding the color and shape of the Clubcard Prizes logo, but would like to reassure customers that this will not impact our Clubcard Prizes program in any way.
“Clubcard prizes, regardless of logo, will continue to play a central role in rewarding our Clubcard members with thousands of offers each week.”
A spokesperson for Lidl said: “We are pleased to see that the Court of Appeal now agrees with the High Court that Tesco’s use of the Clubcard logo is unlawful.
“We now expect Tesco to respect the Court’s decision and change the Clubcard logo to one that is not designed to resemble ours.”
How does the Tesco Clubcard scheme work?
Tesco’s Clubcard program allows customers to earn points as they shop, and these points can be converted into cash on food vouchers or other rewards partner programs.
One point is equal to 1 cent, so for example 150 points will earn you €1.50.
To apply for a voucher you need at least 150 points.
These vouchers can be worth face value to spend in-store at Tesco, or you can double their value to spend at rewards partners, including restaurants, and on days out.
Loyalty card holders can also get cheaper prices on more than 8,000 items thanks to Clubcard Prices.
According to Tesco, these Clubcard prizes will save the average member £351 on their annual shopping.
How can I save on my supermarket shopping?
There are plenty of ways to save money at your grocery store.
You can look for yellow or red stickers on products, which indicate when they are discounted.
If the food is fresh, eat it quickly or freeze it for another time.
Making a list should also save you money because you’ll be less likely to make hasty purchases when you go to the grocery store.
Choosing your own brand can be an easy way to save hundreds of dollars a year on your food bill, too.
This means ditching the ‘best’ or ‘luxury’ products and instead opting for ‘own’ or value-for-money lines.
Many supermarkets have shaky fruit and vegetable programs where you can get cheap prices if they are misshapen or imperfect.
For example, Lidl runs its Waste Not scheme, offering 5kg boxes of fruit and vegetables for just £1.50.
If you’re on a low income and a parent, you could potentially get up to £442 a year in Healthy Start vouchers, which you can also use at the supermarket.
In addition, many municipalities offer supermarket vouchers as part of the Household Support Fund.