Foodsphere Inc., manufacturer of CDO Holiday Ham, on Monday cautioned against the use of the name of its popular brand.

"In this connection, demand is made upon all food manufacturers, distributors, retailers, restaurants, and other establishments to immediately cease and desist from using Holiday Ham," Foodsphere said in a statement.

Foodsphere said the use of the name for CDO's ham is prohibited by Republic Act 8293 or the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines which deems identical signs or similar containers of goods as a source of confusion among consumers.

The law added that other parties can use another's registered trademark only after they have received consent from the original owner of the trademark.

Quality must be preserved

Foodsphere stressed the warning about the CDO's Holiday Ham also aims to ensure customers continue to enjoy the same quality and safety of its food product.

"It is our utmost priority to ensure that our loyal customers receive the brand and quality they expect when purchasing our products," Patricia Magbanua, CDO-Foodsphere's head for corporate affairs and communications, said.

She said CDO-Foodsphere remains firm in keeping the Holiday Ham's reputation intact.

"Foodsphere is the registered owner of the trademark Holiday, and has been using it in its food products, particularly on Christmas hams, since the 1970s," Magbanua said.

"We've built trust around the Holiday brand for decades, and we are committed to safeguarding it not just for our company, but for the consumers who have trusted us throughout the years," she continued.

Violators of the intellectual property rights law will be penalized with civil, criminal and administrative actions, which may include fines, withholding or outright cancellation of business permits, licenses and registrations.