Tesco forced to make huge change to Clubcard promotions after legal row with Lidl
TESCO has been ordered to make a huge change to its Clubcard promotions following a legal row with Lidl.
Lidl has scored a victory in a legal battle over the use of a yellow circle logo to highlight Tesco's Clubcard Prices in-store.
Today, Tesco lost its appeal against a ruling that it infringed the German discounter's trademark over the 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 price promotion.
Shoppers that are members of Tesco's loyalty scheme get access to cheaper prices on over 8,000 products through its Clubcard Prices 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 favour of Lidl - a decision which Tesco chose to appeal.
The Court of Appeal did, however, uphold Tesco's appeal against a find that it infringed Lidl's copyright.
Copyright is a form of intellectual property which aims to protect the expression of ideas.
While trademarks are signs such as names, logos etc. and are normally used as protections for brands.
A Tesco spokesperson said: “Our customers always tell us just how important Clubcard Prices are to giving them great value – and it’s been a key reason why we’re consistently the cheapest full-line grocer.
“We are disappointed with the judgment relating to the colour and shape of the Clubcard Prices logo but would like to reassure customers that it will in no way impact our Clubcard Prices program.
“Clubcard Prices, irrespective of its logo, will continue to play a central role in rewarding our Clubcard members with thousands of deals every week.”
A Lidl spokesperson said: “We are delighted to see that the Court of Appeal has now agreed with the High Court that Tesco’s use of its Clubcard logo is unlawful.
"We expect Tesco now to respect the Court’s decision and change its Clubcard logo to one that is not designed to look like ours.”
How does the Tesco Clubcard scheme work?
Tesco's Clubcard scheme allows shoppers to earn points as they shop, and these points can be turned into vouchers for money off food or other reward partner schemes.
One point equals 1p, so 150 points gets you £1.50, for example.
You'll need a minimum of 150 points to request a voucher.
These vouchers can either be worth the face value to spend in-store at Tesco, or you can double their worth to spend at reward partners, including restaurants, and on days out.
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Loyalty card holders can also get cheaper prices on over 8,000 items thanks to Clubcard Prices.
These Clubcard prices save the average member £351 on their annual shop, according to Tesco.
How can I save on my supermarket shop?
THERE are plenty of ways to save on your grocery shop.
You can look out for yellow or red stickers on products, which show when they've been reduced.
If the food is fresh, you'll have to eat it quickly or freeze it for another time.
Making a list should also save you money, as you'll be less likely to make any rash purchases when you get to the supermarket.
Going own brand can be one easy way to save hundreds of pounds a year on your food bills too.
This means ditching "finest" or "luxury" products and instead going for "own" or value" type of lines.
Plenty of supermarkets run wonky veg and fruit schemes where you can get cheap prices if they're misshapen or imperfect.
For example, Lidl runs its Waste Not scheme, offering boxes of 5kg of fruit and vegetables for just £1.50.
If you're on a low income and a parent, you may be able to get up to £442 a year in Healthy Start vouchers to use at the supermarket too.
Plus, many councils offer supermarket vouchers as part of the Household Support Fund.