PATERSON -- Imitation might be the sincerest form of flattery, but Wawa Inc. isn't impressed with one city grocery - Dawa Food Mart.

View of Dawa Food Mart's storefront via Google Maps

Wawa, which operates convenience stores throughout the Northeast, filed a trademark infringement lawsuit in federal court last week against the Lafayette Street grocer, according to court documents.

Mike Han, the owner of the shop, told NJ Advance Media Friday that Dawa means "Everyone come," in his native Korean.

"I was laughing when I saw the lawsuit," said Han, who opened the store almost three years ago. "The issue makes no sense at all."

Dawa Food Mart, which advertises its "Bronx Style Pizza and Chicken," has a leaf over its name, a similar style to a goose over the 'a' in Wawa.

Wawa contends that the Paterson grocer is using the name and logo to confuse customers into believing it is one of their stores. The company says they have asked Han to stop using the name to no avail.

Last month, a group of former Wawa employees filed suit in Camden alleging that they were not paid overtime.

Han said he plans to defend his store's name.

Fausto Giovanny Pinto may be reached at fpinto@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @FGPreporting. Find NJ.com on Facebook.