Mondelēz International has filed a lawsuit against Aldi, claiming the grocery store’s packaging for its private label snacks copies the designs of several brands owned by Mondelēz. The Chicago-based food manufacturer is seeking damages and a permanent injunction to block Aldi from using the disputed packaging.
Aldi’s packaging is said to “blatantly copy and trades upon” the valuable reputation built by Mondelēz across its cookie and cracker brands, including Oreo, Wheat Thins, Nutter Butter, Chips Ahoy!, Nilla Wafers, Ritz, and Premium saltine crackers. The lawsuit alleges that Aldi’s actions “threaten to irreparably harm” Mondelēz and its brands.
The dispute centers on several private label snacks, with Mondelēz claiming that Aldi uses packaging attributes similar to those found on the popular Oreo cookie’s packaging, including a tilted cookie display, blue background, and lighter blue halo around the cookie. The lawsuit also cites similar packaging issues for other Mondelēz brands.
Aldi has not commented on the lawsuit, but Mondelēz is seeking compensation and protection from further copying of its packaging. This marks the second lawsuit filed by Mondelēz in a month to protect its brands and maintain market share.
Source: https://www.fooddive.com/news/mondelez-sues-aldi-over-private-label-packaging-that-blatantly-copies-ore/749163