Oreo maker sues Aldi in US over ‘copycat’ packaging | EUROtoday

The company behind Oreo has filed a lawsuit within the US in opposition to the price range grocery store Aldi, accusing it of “blatantly” copying the packaging of its well-known snacks.

Court paperwork confirmed that Mondelēz International mentioned Aldi makes use of related packaging more likely to “deceive” shoppers and “ride the coattails” of the corporate’s “attraction, fame and prestige”.

The snack large is also behind Wheat Thins, Nutter Butter, Chips Ahoy!, and Ritz – all merchandise the corporate accuses Aldi of copying with its “discount” variations.

Aldi US did not reply to the BBC’s request for remark, however its British counterpart careworn that it isn’t concerned within the lawsuit.

A spokesperson for Aldi UK instructed the BBC, that they’re “under the same ownership but operate as completely separate businesses”.

Mondelēz, which submitted the lawsuit in May, mentioned it had reached out to Aldi a number of occasions concerning the “confusingly similar packaging”.

Although Aldi did discontinue or alter the packaging of some merchandise, the grocery store has continued making “unacceptable copies”, the lawsuit said.

The firm claimed that if Aldi is allowed to continued with its product traces, it’s going to “irreparably harm” the Mondelēz model.

The lawsuit included side-by-side photos evaluating the appearances of Mondelēz’ product with Aldi’s.

In the lawsuit, Aldi is accused of trademark infringement, unfair competitors and unjust enrichment. Mondelēz mentioned it’s searching for damages.

Mondelēz described Aldi’s enterprise mannequin as hinging on “low-priced private label products that resemble the look and feel of well-known brands”.

Aldi, which has its headquarters in Germany, is named a reduction grocery store providing inexpensive alternate options to well-known manufacturers.

There are over 2,500 Aldi outlets within the US.

This just isn’t the primary time Aldi has been embroiled in a trademark battle. Earlier this yr, it misplaced a battle with Cider producers Thatchers, which accused the grocery store of copying its drink in “taste and appearance”.