Mustika Ratu tells Martha to back down

JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed cosmetic producer PT Mustika Ratu has called on its main rival, Martha Tilaar, the owner of PT Martina Berto, to back down in the row over the right to use the name Taman Sari.

Dini C. Tobing of Lubis, Santosa and Maulana law firm representing Mustika Ratu said the Directorate General of Intellectual and Property Rights ruled in September that the name belonged to her client.

Martha Tilaar's lawyer Hotma Sitompoel on Nov. 13 said his client would not withdraw its claim on the right to use the name because its product was in a different classification to that of Mustika Ratu's.

Dini has refuted the claim and has stressed that Mustika Ratu had used name under trademark since 1999.

Hotma has proposed that the row over the use of the name be resolved amicably.

Dini has questioned Martha Tilaar's peace offer.

"Martha Tilaar has not withdrawn her application," she said. "Martha Tilaar has never even contacted us," she added.

Mustika Ratu won the first round of the battle when it registered Taman Sari with the Directorate General of Intellectual and Property Rights before Martha Tilaar applied to do so.

Indonesia's cosmetic market is dominated by the two local companies, both established and managed by women founders. Mustika Ratu was founded by Mooryati Sudibyo. (03)