Thiruvananthapuram | A Kerala court has slapped a fine of Rs one crore on a private dairy firm for infringing the trademark and packaging design of Kerala Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation, known by brand Milma.

According to a statement issued by Milma on Wednesday, the court has restrained the private dairy from marketing, sale, advertising and selling any milk or milk products or allied products using trademarks or product packaging similar to Milma's.

The court also directed the private dairy -- Milnna -- to pay Rs 8,18,410 as cost of litigation to Milma, the statement said.

Milma Chairman K S Mani said the order would serve as a "stern warning" against attempts to deceive consumers by fake brands, and tarnish the image of the state-run cooperative.

"Milma is a major cooperative network of dairy farmers in India, and its products are reputed for high quality. We are committed to the well being of the dairy farmers affiliated to our state-wide network," he is quoted as having said.

The court order came on a complaint by Milma that the private dairy was selling its milk in sachets bearing close resemblance to the state-run cooperative's cover design and name.