Milkfed Punjab has been unable to take legal action against a company that has been selling milk products in the US and Canadian markets, using the cooperative’s brand name Verka and its logo. The reason is shortage of funds.
An NRI in Canada named Kulwinder Dhillon, has got a patent on the Verka brand from the US and has been selling milk products like desi ghee (clarified butter), paneer (cottage cheese), dahi (yogurt) and fresh milk in American and Canadian stores.
This has marred Milkfed’s export prospects in view of patent restrictions in the US and Canada.
Milkfed first came to know about this in August 2007. But financial constraints are stopping it from fighting a legal battle against the company, Milkfed Managing Director V.K. Singh told media.
‘We have decided to fight a legal battle against the violators but so far we could not do much because of lack of resources and finances. Fighting a case in their (US) court demands a lot of expenditure and we cannot afford it,’ said Singh.
‘However, we are planning how to pursue our case. We have constituted a special committee, including legal experts and consultants. They are looking into the matter and gathering all details about the case. We have already spent Rs.100,000 to Rs.200,000 into it,’ he added.