Beiersdorf has filed a lawsuit against Koni Multinational Brands over the launch of a men’s shower gel, which the Nivea owner alleges is too similar to its own branding, according to a report published by Destiny Connect. Papers were filed in Pretoria High Court in December.
Founded by actress Connie Ferguson, South African Koni Multinational Brand’s Connie Body Care Men Active Shower Gel is packaged in blue, silver and white, which Nivea alleges is a deliberate attempt to confuse consumers.
Koni has countered that it is merely bringing healthy competition to the men’s shower gel market and that Beiersdorf is ‘trying to bully and intimidate’ the homegrown company.