Hotel sues over use of similar name

A hotel owner yesterday filed a judicial protest alleging unfair competition from another hotel which has adopted a name similar to its own.

S.P. Hotels Ltd filed its protest in the First Hall of the Civil Court against Davide Vernici in his personal capacity and on behalf of the firm Naxas. The company told the court that it owned and managed the San Pawl Hotel.

According to the company, Mr Vernici had recently acquired some shares in connection with the establishment that used to be known as the Bugibba Holiday Complex. After refurbishing this establishment, Mr Vernici had changed its name to St Paul's Bay Hotel. S.P. Hotels claimed that this name was very similar to that of its own hotel, namely San Pawl Hotel, and as such could cause the consumer to be confused between the two hotels.

The company added that Mr Vernici's actions were in violation of the provisions of the Commercial Code. The law entitled the company to claim payment of damages from Mr Vernici.

S.P. Hotels concluded its protest by calling upon Mr Vernici to immediately stop using the name St Paul's Bay Hotel and to pay it damages.

Lawyer Joseph A. Schembri acted for S.P. Hotels.