A High Court judge has given the thumbs-down to a bid by Nestle to register the shape of its four-finger Kit Kat as a trademark.

Mr Justice Arnold analysed the confectionery giant's application after rival Cadbury objected.

He considered the issues relating to the "distinctive character" of the "three-dimensional shape" at a High Court hearing in London earlier this month and ruled against Nestle on Wednesday.

The judge began deliberating on the dispute in 2014 - but had a break to allow judges in Europe to consider legal issues.

He said aspects of European trademark law were ''unclear'' and that he wanted clarification from the Court of Justice in the European Union before coming to a decision.

Nestle bosses said they were disappointed and intended to appeal.

A spokesman said the ruling opened the way for a rival to produce a similar-shaped four-finger chocolate bar.

"They couldn't call it Kit Kat but they could produce something in that shape."

He added: "Kit Kat is much loved and the iconic shape of the four-finger bar, which has been used in the UK for more than 80 years, is well-known by consumers.

"We believe that the shape deserves to be protected as a trademark in the UK and are disappointed that the court did not agree on this occasion.

"We are taking the necessary steps to appeal this judgment."

He said the ruling did not affect Kit Kat bars produced in other shapes.