When is a Tayto not a Tayto? According to the English and Wales trade mark registers, it’s when it comes from Ireland.
Tayto crisps, one of Ireland’s best known and beloved brands, is about to land in England and Wales, but due to trade mark laws won’t be able to use its famous brand.
The confusion comes from the fact there are two Tayto companies; one in the Republic of Ireland, one in Northern Ireland.
The Republic of Ireland company was founded first, and launched Taytos in 1954.
The Northern Irish Taytos came two years later, and it is this company that owns the trade mark brand in England and Wales.
Now the Republic of Ireland Tayto company appears to want to launch here too – Huffington Post has discovered the company has registered an image of Mr Tayto, the southern company’s iconic character, with the slogan “The Original Irish Crisp” in two flavours – salt and vinegar and cheese and onion.
Northern Irish Taytos have been seen in some English branches of Tesco and Morrisons in the world food aisles, along with other Irish grocery favourites such as Barry’s Tea and Clonakility Black Pudding.
How can the 642,000 Irish living in England and Wales tell the difference between Northern Irish Taytos and the Republic of Ireland’s “The Original Irish Crisp”?
Simple; the Republic of Ireland’s Mr Tayto has a black hat and yellow and orange striped trousers, and will sit on crisps without the brand “Taytos” on them.
The Northern Irish packets will be called Taytos and its Mr Tayto has a red hat.
There are two separate Twitter accounts too; here's the Northern Irish one:
And here's the Republic of Ireland one:
A Facebook group calling for Republic of Ireland Taytos since 11 February 2011, because they apparently taste different. What do you think? Tell us below.