Diageo is taking legal action against Sainsbury’s over alleged copyright infringement of its Pimm’s brand.

The drinks giant believes Sainsbury’s gin-based cocktail Pitchers, which was launched in April, infringes its intellectual property rights.

However, Diageo was keen not to stir the pot any further against one of its biggest customers.

“We can confirm that we have issued legal proceedings against Sainsbury’s in relation to an intellectual property matter,” a Diageo statement said. “It would be inappropriate for us to comment further other than to say that Sainsbury’s is a valued customer of Diageo.”

Sainsbury’s said it would “vigorously defend” the allegations.