The owners of a gourmet fish restaurant have accused a former employee of taking their exclusive recipes and presentation methods to a competitor, claiming this is resulting in confusion among their clients and financial losses for their business.

Chef Adam Demanuele and Louis Genius, the owner of Adam’s Gourmet Fish Shop, filed a judicial protest against former employee Prakash Kunju Perath, who is an Indian national.

They said they had created unique recipes and distinctive presentation styles that are identifiable with their establishment. Mr Perath worked at their restaurant for a time but resigned on 15 October 2016. He was subsequently employed by a supermarket, described by the complainants as a competitor. Mr Demanuele and Mr Genuis said Mr Perath took his knowledge of their recipes and presentation styles to his new employer in an abusive and illegal way. They say this is a case of unfair competition.

The use of their recipes by a competitor was leading to confusion among clients, misleading them about the true origin. The complainants said they are incurring damages as a result and they were holding Mr Perath solely responsible. The protest was signed by lawyers Pawlu Lija and Veronique Dalli.

Mr Perath said in a counter protest that the allegations against him were untrue and only aimed at tarnishing his reputation and his standing with his new employer. He warned that he might resort to legal action should the protestants persist with their claims.