Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management, has commenced legal proceedings against Clipso to protect its trademark and registered design rights.

Clipso distributes a wide range of electrical products under the CLIPSO trademark, many of which are similar to the vast portfolio of electrical accessories sold under the iconic Clipsal by Schneider Electric brand, the company says.

Schneider Electric claims that these products infringe its registered trademark rights and constitute misleading or deceptive conduct and passing off.

Also in question are Clipso’s dolly switch, which Schneider Electric claims is substantially identical to the dolly switch Clipsal by Schneider Electric has manufactured for use on light switches and power points since 1970, and whose shape is protected by a registered trademark; and Clipso’s new CLIPSMART USB charging mechanism product, which Schneider Electric says infringes its registered designs and registered CLIPSAL and CLIPSPEC trademarks.

David Gardner, VP for the Clipsal & Schneider Electric Partner Business, says: “We are proud of the reputation associated with the Clipsal by Schneider Electric brand, and value our intellectual property highly. As a company we invest heavily locally and globally in the design and manufacture of reliable and innovative products. The employment of thousands of Australians relates directly to the reputation of the Clipsal brand, both within Schneider Electric and through our valued partners.”

Clipso’s defence is due this month.

A date for the hearing has not been set but will likely be mid 2015.