Yorkshire start-up company Wensleydale Foods has had to rename a pies range due to a trademark dispute with Bettys of Harrogate.

The company, founded by Elizabeth Guy last year, ran into trouble when it tried to trademark its “Betty Guy’s Little Pies” shepherds pie range, named after the founder’s daughter.

Bettys, the famous Yorkshire tearooms, would not consent to the use of Betty Guy’s. But it agreed to Wensleydale using up its packaging and marketing materials. When these run out, in the middle of next year, the name for the range will change to Beth Guy’s Little Pies.

Elizabeth Guy told British Baker she decided to try to trademark the Betty Guy’s name after attending a seminar about trademarking. A Bettys of Harrogate spokeswoman said Bettys had to protect its brand.