Jason Gibb, founder of Vauxhall-based Nudo, says the image used by M&S on its 2011 olive oil range bears a striking resemblance to the tree design he has used since 2005.
Mr Gibb, 40, set up his company eight years ago with partner Cathy Rogers. Her sister Madeleine designed the logo for the firm, which produces 20,000 litres a year of extra virgin olive oil from Italy. Mr Gibb, from Earl’s Court, said: “I just want these big players to stop ripping off the small guy.”
Marks and Spencer denied it had copied the Nudo design. A spokeswoman said: “This olive oil range launched in 2011 and its design development dates back to 2010. Olives and olive trees are a common design theme for this product category, as customers instantly associate them with the product.”