A GWENT bed company company is taking on the might of a national firm which it accuses of stealing its name.

Caerleon-based Beds Direct From Sleepers (pictured) is seeking an injunction against Beds Direct Nationwide, to prevent them trading in Gwent.

The nationwide company, based in Swindon, opened a store in Cardiff in October 2000 and another in Ross-on-Wye at around the same time, offering same-day delivery on beds.

But owner of Beds Direct From Sleepers, Robert 'Bob the Bed' Smith told Bristol Mercantile Court the rival firm were damaging the "goodwill and reputation" his business had built up since he started in 1981.

Mr Smith, whose customers include Olympic hurdler Colin Jackson, told the hearing he had received two calls from customers of the Swindon company complaining about the service they received, thinking the two firms were the same.

He added his business had suffered since the rival's opening, and said the firm was also using a similar brand logo.

Mr Smith started his business under the name Sleepers but after buying a delivery van in 1985 he came up with the name Beds Direct From Sleepers.

Mr Smith told the hearing the firm had become known simply as Beds Direct because the words 'From Sleepers' were not prominent on the logo.

Witness Paul Stillman, a retail rep, said: "I have always associated the name Beds Direct with Bob Smith. He is very well known amongst bedding reps in South Wales."

But Ivor Marr, head of Beds Direct Nationwide denied his company had stolen the name. He said: "We haven't stolen the name. Beds Direct is a descriptive name. I thought I couldn't register the name, as it was generic - other people had tried and failed."

Mr Marr admitted knowing of the Gwent firm's existence but said he believed his policy and advertising would help people differentiate between the two. The company opened in Cardiff after interest was expressed by potential customers.

Summing up the case for Mr Smith, barrister John Blackmore said: "As night follows day when there are two companies operating with the same name in the same area there is going to be confusion."

The case was adjourned to a date yet to be fixed when Mr Justice Neuberger will make his judgement.