In a battle between two big toothpaste makers, Colgate-Palmolive Co. sued GlaxoSmithKline Plc Thursday, seeking a court order that its use of the “Triple Action” tagline and a three-stripe “nurdle” does not infringe the latter’s trademarks.

Colgate said it is concerned that Glaxo, which makes Aquafresh toothpaste, might sue over its use of the nurdle, given that the British company recently filed a trademark application that covers its design.

A nurdle is a gob of toothpaste that sits on a toothbrush.

Glaxo did not immediately return a call and email seeking comment.

The case is Colgate-Palmolive Co v. GlaxoSmithKline LLC, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 10-05728.