The European Union is being asked to provide guidelines in trademark law, in light of the Supermac's dispute with McDonald's.

McDonald's has lodged objections to Supermac's trademark being registered throughout Europe.

Supermac's wants to expand its outlets in the UK, other parts of the EU and Australia.

Fine Gael MEP Sean Kelly says EU rules on trademarks must be clear so that smaller companies can avoid expensive court cases.

"Particularly the trademarks have to be guaranteed" he said.

"If a larger company challenges the trademark of another company, that's something I think we need to have clearer guidelines on - so that a company like Supermac's won't have to go down the route probably of very, very expensive court cases which are only a drop in the ocean to a big company like McDonald's" he added.

Earlier this year, Irish-owned Supermac's lodged a submission with the European Union Office for Harmonization in the Internal Market after McDonald's lodged an objection against the company.

Supermac's wants to have its company name trademark registered across the EU.

McDonald's objection is based on the contention that the name 'Supermac's' is similar to the name McDonald's, which may cause confusion for consumers if the Irish chain opens restaurants in other European counties.

The international fast food giant has taken the objection in an effort to prevent the family restaurant chain from expanding outside Ireland.