Beverage firm Diageo has filed a lawsuit against Sazerac over trademark infringement of its whisky brand Bulleit.

The lawsuit was filed on 16 December with the US District Court for the Southern District of New York, reported Worldipreview.com.

Diageo has alleged Sazerac of trademark infringement and unfair competition. It also proposed Sazerac infringed on its trademark by redesigning the bottle and label of the Dr. McGillicuddy range to strongly resemble the packaging of Diageo’s Bulleit brand bourbon and rye whisky.

"Diageo has alleged Sazerac of trademark infringement and unfair competition."

Bulleit is available in a canteen-shaped bottle. Its packaging features embossed lettering and a rectangular label. Diageo claims that it has the trademark for the 3D element of the bottle. The company acquired Bulleit whiskey and all of the trademark related to the business in 2001.

In the lawsuit, Diageo alleged that Sazerac has been copying its packaging over the last year.

Diageo has sought for a jury trial, damages for trademark infringement, and a payment of all profits.