B&M Retail Sues Morrisons Over Intellectual Property and Breach of Confidence
Discount retailer B&M initiates High Court proceedings against supermarket giant Morrisons regarding proprietary rights.
1High Court Legal Action
B&M Retail initiated formal High Court proceedings against WM Morrison Supermarkets and senior buyer Simon Buckley on October 29, 2026. The case, registered under number IL-2026-000166, focuses on allegations of intellectual property infringement and breach of confidence. Legal representation is provided by HGF Law for B&M and Eversheds Sutherland for the defendants.
2Scope of the Dispute
The legal filing specifically categorizes the action as a Part 7 claim involving copyright and design rights. While the court records identify the parties involved, they do not currently disclose the specific products or confidential materials at the center of the dispute. No hearing date has been scheduled to address these allegations.
3Corporate Stance on Protection
A spokesperson for B&M confirmed the initiation of legal action, emphasizing the company's significant investment in product development. The retailer stated it intends to protect its confidential business information and will pursue appropriate legal remedies whenever it believes its rights have been infringed. The company declined further comment due to ongoing litigation.
4Parallel Supplier Litigation
B&M is simultaneously defending a separate £13.8 million claim brought by The Skinny Food Co. The supplier alleges that B&M breached agreements by removing products from sale or cutting purchase volumes. The dispute, which began in February 2026, involves claims of retaliatory behavior linked to failed investment negotiations with the Arora family.
5Retailer Defense Strategy
In its defense filed on May 8, 2026, B&M rejected the allegations made by The Skinny Food Co. The retailer maintains that its purchasing decisions were based on genuine commercial reasons rather than personal retaliation. Lawyers for B&M also denied that communications from Robin Arora contained any threats against the supplier.
6Regulatory Intervention
The supplier dispute reached a new phase in October 2026 when the court intervened. On October 14, His Honour Judge Williams approved an order directing the Groceries Code Adjudicator to be added as an intervener. This development highlights the ongoing complexity of the case as it progresses through the court system.
7Strategic Expansion Interests
Beyond its legal challenges, B&M is actively exploring market expansion opportunities. Reports from October 19 indicate the retailer has expressed interest in acquiring a select number of Poundland stores. This potential acquisition is part of a broader sale process managed by Alvarez Marsal, which has also attracted interest from other major retailers.
8Broader Market Implications
The simultaneous legal battles and expansion efforts underscore the high-stakes environment within the UK discount retail sector. As B&M navigates intellectual property claims against a major competitor and a significant supplier dispute, its focus on potential store acquisitions suggests a strategy aimed at maintaining market share despite these ongoing legal pressures.