Viral potato snack brand SpudBros has been accused of 'bullying' a small business in Portsmouth over the use of a similar name. The Spud Father, which opened last month, has received a legal threat from SpudBros, according to owner Rumen Islam.
Rumen Islam, 27, started The Spud Father in Portsmouth, aiming to offer bold flavours on the popular snack. Just a month into trading, he claims SpudBros has threatened legal action over the name, citing trademarked potato-related words.
In a social media statement, Islam said: 'We’ve been threatened with legal action from SpudBros over the use of our name. They’ve trademarked several potato-related words and are now trying to stop us from using “The Spud Father.”' He described the situation as 'gutting' and said the stress has taken a mental and emotional toll.
Islam also shared a video on TikTok, announcing he will take time away from the stand due to the stress. He said: 'Unfortunately I think we will have to change our name. It is hard, we are a really small business.' He added that he is 'born and bred in Pompey' and opened the business for locals.
SpudBros, run by brothers Jacob, 28, and Harley Nelson, 21, became a TikTok sensation from their tram in Preston, amassing over four million followers and expanding to a central London store. Supporters of The Spud Father have criticised SpudBros online, calling for them to let the smaller business operate without interference.
