Pies have been made in Melton Mowbray for nearly 200 years

The Melton Mowbray Pork Pie Association had said its products should enjoy the same regional name protection as champagne or Stilton cheese.

This is being challenged by Leeds-based Northern Foods which makes "Melton Mowbray" pies elsewhere in the UK.

After the High Court hearing, Mr Justice Crane reserved his judgement until a date yet to be fixed.

The pie association maintained it has sole rights to the Melton Mowbray name, saying that pork pies have been made in that part of Leicestershire for nearly 200 years.

Northern Foods argued that pies in the style of the ones made in Melton Mowbray have been produced outside Leicestershire for more than a century and the exclusive rights sought by the association would restrict consumer choice.