Coca-Cola accused of corporate bullying against tiny cafe

A small New Zealand vegan cafe is facing the wrath of beverage giant Coca-Cola over claims it stole its name.

Innocent Foods in Wellington was opened by young couple Egemen Yeter, 25, and Claire Rientjes, 21, in June after they put their life savings into a new business.

They sell a juice also called Innocent – which Coca-Cola claimed was a violation of their trademark for a juice brand with the same name in the United Kingdom, according to Stuff.

They sell a juice also called Innocent – which Coca-Cola claimed was a violation of their trademark for a juice brand with the same name in the United Kingdom 

Coca-Cola has given them until November 16 to change their name (stock image)

‘It’s our first business venture together, based around something we are both passionate about,’ Ms Rientjes said.

Coca-Cola has given them until November 16 to change their name.

Mr Yeter and Ms Rientjes said it will cost them about $7000 to come up with a new name, on top of the $40,000 they spent on setting up their business initially.

Mr Yeter and Ms Rientjes said it will cost them about $7000 to come up with a new name, on top of the $40,000 they spent on setting up their business initially

Although they considered fighting against the corporate behemoth they decided to ‘bite the bullet’ as the legal costs would be too much.

‘We fear that re-branding will lose us business as we have a well-established reputation in the local community already,’ Ms Rientjes said.

She accused Coca-Cola of engaging in ‘corporate bullying’.

An intellectual property firm sent a letter to the café notifying them of the trademark breach, saying Coca-Cola wanted to protect the name ‘Innocent’ in New Zealand

An intellectual property firm sent a letter to the café notifying them of the trademark breach, saying Coca-Cola wanted to protect the name ‘Innocent’ in New Zealand. 

The couple have asked for help from Coca-Cola in rebranding their business, according to Newshub.