One of Ireland’s largest trade unions has filed a legal challenge against plans by KPS Capital Partners to manufacture Waterford Crystal in Slovenia.

In a lawsuit filed at the Office for Harmonisation in the Internal Market – Europe’s trademark registry – Unite said “Waterford Crystal” contains an implied geographical indication preventing the company from selling any goods it has produced outside Waterford.

Waterford Crystal’s parent company Waterford Wedgwood went into receivership in 2009 following a long struggle with falling sales and rising costs. The company’s business was sold to US investment firm KPS Capital Partners, which moved production to Germany and eastern Europe. KPS says it is committed to manufacturing in Waterford.