Latest news with #Mondelēz
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Oreo maker sues Aldi over alleged copycat cookie packaging
The maker of Oreos, Chips Ahoy cookies, Ritz crackers and other popular snacks is suing Aldi, alleging the supermarket chain is using packaging that "blatantly copies" their products. Mondelēz International filed the civil complaint on May 27 in an Illinois federal court. According to the complaint, obtained and reviewed by USA TODAY, the Chicago-headquartered company said Aldi's alleged actions are "likely to deceive and confuse consumers and dilute the distinctive quality of Mondelēz's unique product packaging." Aldi, which sells low-priced private-label cookie and cracker snacks, has a "pattern and practice of selling products in packaging that are unacceptable copies of Mondelēz's," the manufacturer alleges in the complaint. Mondelēz said in the court filing that it has contacted Aldi on "numerous occasions" objecting to the supermarket chain's alleged use of "confusingly similar packaging" and demanding that it cease and desist its "unlawful infringement." The snack maker is seeking monetary damages and a court order effectively stopping Aldi from selling products that infringe on its trademarks. USA TODAY contacted Aldi and Mondelēz on May 30 but has not received a response. The popular snack brands Mondelēz is alleging Aldi copied include Oreos, Wheat Thins, Nutter Butters, Chips Ahoy, Nilla Wafers, Ritz, Premium Saltine Crackers, Teddy Grahams, Belvita biscuits, Tate's Bake Shop cookies and Triscuit crackers, according to the complaint. After being contacted by Mondelēz, Aldi discontinued and/or changed certain of the alleged infringing products, the complaint says. However, Aldi continued to sell products in packaging that resembles Mondelēz's snacks, which are trademarked, the court document continued. Mondelēz is informed and believes that at least some of the products in its lawsuit are manufactured and distributed nationally to Aldi stores from a supplier or suppliers in Ohio, the complaint reads. Throughout the complaint, Mondelēz includes side-by-side comparisons of its trademarked snack packaging and Aldi's alleged infringing products, including Oreos and the supermarket chain's "Original Chocolate Sandwich Cookies with Vanilla Filling." Mondelēz is not the only company to sue Aldi, as an Australian federal court ruled a year ago that the supermarket chain infringed on the copyright of Baby Bellies snack puffs for young children, according to The Guardian and Associated Press. In the Baby Bellies case, Aldi's packaging featured a cartoon owl with colors similar to the name-brand packaging, the outlets reported. Hampden Holdings, the owner of Baby Bellies, sent the supermarket chain a letter alleging copyright infringement, subsequently prompting the company to take Aldi to court concerning 11 product designs, according to The Guardian. 'Aldi sought to use for its own commercial advantage the designs that had been developed by a trade rival,' the federal judge said, per The Guardian. 'Although Aldi may have intended, if possible, to avoid infringement and legal liability, it took the risk that its use of the Bellies designs would exceed what the law allows. I consider Aldi's conduct to be flagrant.' Federal courts in the United Kingdom and Australia ruled in favor of Aldi in 2018 after the cosmetic company, Moroccanoil Israel, alleged the discount supermarket chain's product packaging and branding were too similar to theirs. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Oreo maker sues Aldi, alleges trademark infringement of packaging
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Mondelēz sues Aldi over private label packaging that ‘blatantly copies' Oreo and Chips Ahoy!
This story was originally published on Food Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Food Dive newsletter. Mondelēz International is demanding that Aldi change the packaging for several of its private label snacks, alleging in a lawsuit that the grocer's offerings copy the packaging of Oreos, Chips Ahoy! and five other of the snack giant's brands. The lawsuit, filed on May 27 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, claims Aldi's packaging is 'likely to deceive and confuse consumers' who may associate a connection between the retailer and snack maker. Mondelēz is seeking damages and a permanent injunction to block Aldi from using the disputed packaging for its products. The lawsuit against Aldi marks the second one filed by Mondelēz in the last month to protect its brands and maintain market share. As more consumers turn to private label offerings in pursuit of value, Mondelēz is taking action. The Chicago-based food manufacturer contends Aldi's snacks 'blatantly copies and trades upon the valuable reputation and goodwill' that Mondelēz has built across its cookie and cracker brands. Mondelēz claimed Aldi ignored its 'reasonable requests,' leaving it 'no choice' but to sue. This embedded content is not available in your region. Aldi 'seeks to ride the coattails' of Mondelēz's reputation, the lawsuit alleges, with the retailer copying the packaging 'in order to benefit from its power of attraction, fame and/or prestige.' The grocer's alleged copyright infringement would 'threaten to irreparably harm Mondelēz and its valuable brands.' The 36-page complaint included exhibits displaying Mondelēz's packaging next to Aldi's packaging. The brands tied to the lawsuit are Oreo, Wheat Thins, Nutter Butter, Chips Ahoy!, Nilla Wafers, Ritz and Premium saltine crackers. In the case of Oreo, Mondelēz said Aldi uses product attributes similar to those found on the popular cookie's packaging. These include the prominent display of a tilted cookie, the blue background on the packaging and a lighter blue halo around the cookie. Oreo is the world's top-selling cookie with more than $4 billion in annual sales. Mondelēz claimed Aldi 'has a pattern and practice of selling products in packaging that are unacceptable copies' of the snack maker's packaging. The Chicago company said it had contacted the retailer on 'numerous occasions' in the past objecting to its 'confusingly similar packaging' for brands including Oreo, Teddy Grahams, belVita, Tate's and Triscuit. While Aldi discontinued and/or changed some of the designs following Mondelēz's objections, the food manufacturer said several offerings still copy its packaging Aldi did not respond to a request for comment. Aldi has faced other lawsuits over its packaging before. Earlier this year, a United Kingdom appeals court upheld a ruling that Aldi's cloudy lemon cider infringed on Thatchers' Cider's trademark. At the end of 2024, an Australian court found Aldi liable for infringing the packaging of three products from Hampden Holdings. Along with what's inside, packaging can be a big factor in deciding whether a shopper will decide to buy a product. A study by Shorr Packaging in 2020 found packaging was important for seven out of 10 individuals. And a 2018 Ipsos study revealed 72% of consumers said packaging design often influenced their purchase decisions. A Mondelēz spokesperson declined to discuss the lawsuit, noting its policy of not commenting on active litigation. Earlier this month, Mondelēz sued to halt a collaboration with Ghost energy drink and protein products that use brands such as Sour Patch Kids and Nutter Butter. Mondelēz claims it was not asked for permission to continue the partnership when Ghost was acquired by Keurig Dr Pepper, constituting a breach of contract. Updates with prior Aldi lawsuits Recommended Reading Ghost ends Sour Patch, Oreo flavor collaborations after Mondelēz lawsuit Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
USA Today
2 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
Oreo maker sues Aldi over alleged copycat cookie packaging
Oreo maker sues Aldi over alleged copycat cookie packaging Some of the popular snack packaging the lawsuit alleges Aldi copied include Oreos, Wheat Thins, Nutter Butters, Chips Ahoy, Nilla Wafers, Ritz, Teddy Grahams and more. Show Caption Hide Caption Post Malone announces exclusive collaboration with Oreo Post Malone is kicking off the new year with a surprising collaboration: his own Limited Edition Oreo cookies. unbranded - Entertainment The maker of Oreos, Chips Ahoy cookies, Ritz crackers and other popular snacks is suing Aldi, alleging the supermarket chain is using packaging that "blatantly copies" their products. Mondelēz International filed the civil complaint on May 27 in an Illinois federal court. According to the complaint, obtained and reviewed by USA TODAY, the Chicago-headquartered company said Aldi's alleged actions are "likely to deceive and confuse consumers and dilute the distinctive quality of Mondelēz's unique product packaging." Aldi, which sells low-priced private-label cookie and cracker snacks, has a "pattern and practice of selling products in packaging that are unacceptable copies of Mondelēz's," the manufacturer alleges in the complaint. Mondelēz said in the court filing that it has contacted Aldi on "numerous occasions" objecting to the supermarket chain's alleged use of "confusingly similar packaging" and demanding that it cease and desist its "unlawful infringement." The snack maker is seeking monetary damages and a court order effectively stopping Aldi from selling products that infringe on its trademarks. USA TODAY contacted Aldi and Mondelēz on May 30 but has not received a response. What snack packaging is Mondelēz alleging Aldi copied? The popular snack brands Mondelēz is alleging Aldi copied include Oreos, Wheat Thins, Nutter Butters, Chips Ahoy, Nilla Wafers, Ritz, Premium Saltine Crackers, Teddy Grahams, Belvita biscuits, Tate's Bake Shop cookies and Triscuit crackers, according to the complaint. After being contacted by Mondelēz, Aldi discontinued and/or changed certain of the alleged infringing products, the complaint says. However, Aldi continued to sell products in packaging that resembles Mondelēz's snacks, which are trademarked, the court document continued. Mondelēz is informed and believes that at least some of the products in its lawsuit are manufactured and distributed nationally to Aldi stores from a supplier or suppliers in Ohio, the complaint reads. Throughout the complaint, Mondelēz includes side-by-side comparisons of its trademarked snack packaging and Aldi's alleged infringing products, including Oreos and the supermarket chain's "Original Chocolate Sandwich Cookies with Vanilla Filling." Aldi previously sued for copyright infringement Mondelēz is not the only company to sue Aldi, as an Australian federal court ruled a year ago that the supermarket chain infringed on the copyright of Baby Bellies snack puffs for young children, according to The Guardian and Associated Press. In the Baby Bellies case, Aldi's packaging featured a cartoon owl with colors similar to the name-brand packaging, the outlets reported. Hampden Holdings, the owner of Baby Bellies, sent the supermarket chain a letter alleging copyright infringement, subsequently prompting the company to take Aldi to court concerning 11 product designs, according to The Guardian. 'Aldi sought to use for its own commercial advantage the designs that had been developed by a trade rival,' the federal judge said, per The Guardian. 'Although Aldi may have intended, if possible, to avoid infringement and legal liability, it took the risk that its use of the Bellies designs would exceed what the law allows. I consider Aldi's conduct to be flagrant.' Federal courts in the United Kingdom and Australia ruled in favor of Aldi in 2018 after the cosmetic company, Moroccanoil Israel, alleged the discount supermarket chain's product packaging and branding were too similar to theirs.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Oreo maker sues Aldi over alleged copycat cookie packaging
The maker of Oreos, Chips Ahoy cookies, Ritz crackers and other popular snacks is suing Aldi, alleging the supermarket chain is using packaging that "blatantly copies" their products. Mondelēz International filed the civil complaint on May 27 in an Illinois federal court. According to the complaint, obtained and reviewed by USA TODAY, the Chicago-headquartered company said Aldi's alleged actions are "likely to deceive and confuse consumers and dilute the distinctive quality of Mondelēz's unique product packaging." Aldi, which sells low-priced private-label cookie and cracker snacks, has a "pattern and practice of selling products in packaging that are unacceptable copies of Mondelēz's," the manufacturer alleges in the complaint. Mondelēz said in the court filing that it has contacted Aldi on "numerous occasions" objecting to the supermarket chain's alleged use of "confusingly similar packaging" and demanding that it cease and desist its "unlawful infringement." The snack maker is seeking monetary damages and a court order effectively stopping Aldi from selling products that infringe on its trademarks. USA TODAY contacted Aldi and Mondelēz on May 30 but has not received a response. The popular snack brands Mondelēz is alleging Aldi copied include Oreos, Wheat Thins, Nutter Butters, Chips Ahoy, Nilla Wafers, Ritz, Premium Saltine Crackers, Teddy Grahams, Belvita biscuits, Tate's Bake Shop cookies and Triscuit crackers, according to the complaint. After being contacted by Mondelēz, Aldi discontinued and/or changed certain of the alleged infringing products, the complaint says. However, Aldi continued to sell products in packaging that resembles Mondelēz's snacks, which are trademarked, the court document continued. Mondelēz is informed and believes that at least some of the products in its lawsuit are manufactured and distributed nationally to Aldi stores from a supplier or suppliers in Ohio, the complaint reads. Throughout the complaint, Mondelēz includes side-by-side comparisons of its trademarked snack packaging and Aldi's alleged infringing products, including Oreos and the supermarket chain's "Original Chocolate Sandwich Cookies with Vanilla Filling." Mondelēz is not the only company to sue Aldi, as an Australian federal court ruled a year ago that the supermarket chain infringed on the copyright of Baby Bellies snack puffs for young children, according to The Guardian and Associated Press. In the Baby Bellies case, Aldi's packaging featured a cartoon owl with colors similar to the name-brand packaging, the outlets reported. Hampden Holdings, the owner of Baby Bellies, sent the supermarket chain a letter alleging copyright infringement, subsequently prompting the company to take Aldi to court concerning 11 product designs, according to The Guardian. 'Aldi sought to use for its own commercial advantage the designs that had been developed by a trade rival,' the federal judge said, per The Guardian. 'Although Aldi may have intended, if possible, to avoid infringement and legal liability, it took the risk that its use of the Bellies designs would exceed what the law allows. I consider Aldi's conduct to be flagrant.' Federal courts in the United Kingdom and Australia ruled in favor of Aldi in 2018 after the cosmetic company, Moroccanoil Israel, alleged the discount supermarket chain's product packaging and branding were too similar to theirs. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Oreo maker sues Aldi, alleges trademark infringement of packaging
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Aldi Is Facing A Lawsuit Over These Copycat Snacks
Copycat snacks are usually a less expensive, slightly different-tasting version of a popular cookie or cracker with similar branding to the original. Many copycat snacks have long been available at Aldi stores, but there's a notable issue with the way the grocery store is presenting them. Snack giant Mondelēz International has officially entered the chat with a lawsuit alleging that Aldi's snacks are packaged in a way that deliberately copies its successful brands like Chips Ahoy!, Nilla Wafers, Nutter Butter, Oreo, Premium saltine crackers, Ritz, and Wheat Thins. On May 27, 2025, the lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois and says that Aldi shoppers may associate the familiar branding with snacks they already know and love — influencing their overall buying decision. Mondelēz is seeking damages and the right to bar Aldi from using the branding for its products going forward. The Aldi private label snacks aren't new and have likely been available to shoppers in every state that has an Aldi location. Mondelēz maintains that the company has reached out prior to filing the lawsuit. The copycat snack lawsuit isn't the first one the grocery chain has faced, either. In 2023, Aldi faced a $10 million mislabeling class action lawsuit. Read more: 7 Must-Buy Aldi Items For First-Time Customers Mondelēz International's lawsuit against Aldi draws attention to the importance of packaging and brand association. Oreo cookies are a great example of this. In 2025, Oreo stands as the number one cookie in the United States, and aside from occasional special releases when Oreo collabs with celebrities like Selena Gomez, the iconic blue appearance has been around since 1998. With the cookie's popularity and longevity, most shoppers are very familiar with the look of the package and associate the distinct color with the Oreos they know and love. This emotional connection to already established brands is great for sales, but other companies can indeed capitalize on that by creating similar treats with similar packaging to win over the hearts (and wallets) of consumers. In a 2018 study by Ipsos, it was shown that 72% of American shoppers are influenced by the design of a product's package. The lawsuit against Aldi spans 36 pages and alleges that the nearly identical appearance of the copycat snacks -- like the chain's yellow box of "Thin Wheats" -- is an attempt at taking advantage of the longstanding Mondelēz reputation with shoppers. For more food and drink goodness, join The Takeout's newsletter. Get taste tests, food & drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more! Read the original article on The Takeout.
