Copycat chippy smells a bit fishy

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/manchester/8056213.stm

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The owner of a chain of fish and chip shops in Greater Manchester is fuming after finding out a rival restaurateur has copied his company's name.

Frank Afsarpur, who runs six Battered Cod fish and chip shops, is worried his competitor will make him lose custom.

The new shop in Burnage Lane has the same name, colour scheme and has even copied the love hearts instead of dots above the "i"s in "fish and chips".

Nobody from the other fish and chip shop was available to comment.

Mr Afsarpur said: "I couldn't believe it when I found out. One of my regular customers came in to my Ladybarn take-away in Fallowfield and congratulated me on opening a new shop.

Mr Afsarpur was shocked when he saw the new shop front

"I looked at him, a bit aghast and said, 'No, I haven't', it then dawned on me that I had an imposter.

"I have worked hard to build my businesses up and I make sure that the fish and chips are top quality."

He took over the Battered Cod in 1985, and since then he has opened five more across the county.

Three are run by his relatives and friends but he makes sure the food is up to his standards.

He said: "I have told them that if they don't make sure the food is quality-checked then I will take the sign from them.

"Luckily I have trademarked my name and I will be taking legal action."

The new Burnage Lane shop, which is half a mile from his flagship eaterie in Ladybarn Lane, has not yet opened.