An Austrian pumpkin seed oil producer faces possible legal action by pharmaceutical giant Pfizer, the producer of Viagra, over his "Styriagra" chocolate-coated pumpkin seeds, according to media reports.

Pfizer reportedly found that Richard Mandl's light blue glazed candies, which are oval in size, resembled the potency pill too much, both in name and colour.

But Mandl, who has already registered the trademark, argues the name is simply a combination of the words Styria — the southern Austrian province, known for its pumpkin seed oil, where Mandl works — and "agra," referring to agricultural or organic products.

Blue, meanwhile, was the only colour he had not yet used for his chocolate-coated seeds, Mandl also told the Austria Press Agency.

Pfizer reportedly wants to sue him for up to $45 640 in damages.

Mandl has said he will go to court to defend his product.

AFP