A Cork recruitment firm yesterday applied to the High Court for an order restraining a British recruitment company with a similar name from carrying on its business in Dublin.
Premier Recruitment International Ltd, of Hanover House, South Main Street, Cork, is seeking an order against the Premiere Employment Group and Premiere Ireland Ltd, restraining them from trading in the Republic under the name Premiere Employment.
Ms Fidelma Macken SC, for the Cork firm, said her client had been in business in Ireland for a considerable period.
Her client, she said, had no objection to the British company, which recently opened a branch in Dublin, conducting its business in the Republic, but it did object to it using the Premiere Employment name which was almost identical to that of the Cork company.
In an affidavit, Mr Patrick Fitzgerald, managing director of Premier Recruitment International, said he was surprised and shocked to read an advertisement in The Irish Times of September 3rd last revealing that Premiere Employment intended to open a branch in Dublin.
Counsel said there was also an affidavit from a receptionist in the Cork company saying she had received more than 20 calls from people who were under the impression they were contacting Premiere Employment.
The hearing before Mr Justice Kinlen continues today.