Just weeks after Amazon launched its one-hour delivery ‘Prime Now’ service for chilled and frozen foods in London and Birmingham, it has been revealed that Tesco has filed to trademark the term ‘Tesco Now’ with the Intellectual Trademark Office, prompting speculation it could be readying a rival rapid delivery service.

According to a report by The Grocer, the trademark covers food and non-food lines, marketing and delivery as well as backroom and transport functions. Although nothing has been confirmed, the report said Tesco has been exploring ways to offer a rapid delivery service to combat recent by moves by rival retailers.

Argos launched a same-day delivery service a couple of weeks ago, whilst Amazon’s recent trials are thought to be the precursor to the introduction of its AmazonFresh service to the UK next year.

Tesco would not be drawn on the specifics of the application but a spokesperson told The Grocer: "We trademark a range of names to protect potential projects involving the Tesco brand."