The Conservative Party has apologised to an independent publisher for a trademark infringement over the publication of fake local newspapers.

The Tories have said sorry to the Midland News Association after circulating pamphlets under the titles of the Wolverhampton Chronicle, Sandwell Chronicle and Dudley Chronicle.

The names used by the Conservatives are trademarked by the MNA and are distributed as free local weeklies across the parts of the West Midlands under the title Chronicle Week.

The apology comes after dozens of Tory MPs began delivering such pamphlets in recent days, with the names of two real former local newspapers – the Lincoln Chronicle and the High Peak Reporter – being among those used to head up the pamphlets.

As well as unreservedly apologising to the MNA, the Conservatives have also agreed to provide a donation to charity.

In an advertisement published in MNA-owned daily the Wolverhampton Express & Star, the party said: “Earlier this month we published three pieces of campaign literature titled the Wolverhampton Chronicle, the Sandwell Chronicle, and the Dudley Chronicle.

“It has been brought to our attention the titles of all three of these party-political leaflets were titled the same as three newspapers published and owned by MNA Media. This was a genuine mistake, and it was never our intention to mislead residents.

“We understand the confusion this may have caused, and we sympathise with the reputational damage this could cause an independent media outlet with nearly 150 years’ service to your local community.

“MNA Media has never been and continues not to be associated with the Conservative Party. We therefore would like to apologise to the MNA Media Group.”

Midlands News Association managing director Matt Ross said: “All of these titles are trademarked by us.

“It is vitally important that we protect both their integrity and the rights of our readers who look to our titles for reliable and objective news and information. Consequently, we have come to an agreement with the Conservative Party, which has made a payment that will be donated to local charities.

“As a trusted media organisation, soon to be celebrating our 150th year of publishing, we have previously suffered similar infringements from organisations prepared to mislead readers by attempting deceitfully to strengthen the provenance of material they publish. It is hard to comprehend how the political party responsible for governing our country could have made such a grave error.

“Although the matter has been resolved amicably and to the benefit of local charities, I am utterly bemused why an institution like the Conservative Party should seek to camouflage its identity in such a way.

“There was no reference to the party whatsoever on the majority of materials. In my experience individuals who are proud to be associated with the brand they represent would never seek to disguise their identity.”

HTFP has repeatedly highlighted different parties’ use of the tactic in recent years.

The Electoral Commission has said it is “powerless” to act on the practice, while the UK Government told HTFP last week fake local newspapers “should not be regulated” after refusing to put a stop to the practice.

Former Justice Secratary Sir Robert Buckland has also claimed to the Swindon Advertiser that local press mimicry is “a positive thing” after delivering a title called the South Swindon Messenger around his constituency.