Colombia: In historic ruling, Alpina condemned in ‘copycat’ case Vs. Danone

Colombian food company Alpina is facing legal action due to sustained unfair competition. The firm is accused by Swiss giant Danone of purposefully setting barriers to their entry into Colombia’s market. This is the first case of its kind to be tried in Colombia, said a spokesman for the Competition Superintendence Offices.

A press release issued by the agency mentions that evidence has been found for the constant use of this commercial ruse, which relies on systematically imitating the programs and initiatives introduced by Danone elsewhere, with the explicit aim of harming Danone’s launch plans for Colombia. This is the first time in Colombia’s legal history where an economic agent is found guilty of this ‘copy-cat’ behaviour.

Danone’s original suit, claiming damages for over $2 bn pesos, was rejected outright by the superintendence, as the company was unable to provide evidence for said damages.

Source: El Espectador

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