Two-year-old Internet design and consultancy company, HiTouch, has issued High Court proceedings against iTouch, the Independent News & Media subsidiary launched in March this year. HiTouch has initiated the case against iTouch for "passing off" under a similar name. It claims the name of the new company is practically identical, and because both companies operate in the same market space, it will undermine HiTouch's brand identity. Last night lawyers for iTouch said it would "strenuously contest" the proceedings.