Aldi Is Being Sued By a Popular Snack Creator For Allegedly Selling 'Confusingly Similar Packaging'

Aldi is successful basking h2o pinch Mondelēz International, nan genitor institution of well-known snack brands including Oreo, Wheat Thins, Nutter Butter, Chips Ahoy!, Nilla Wafers and Ritz crackers.

In a title obtained by PEOPLE, revenge connected Tuesday, May 27, Mondelēz International, on pinch its intelligence spot holding institution and subsidiary Intercontinental Great Brands LLC (collectively “Mondelēz”), claims that nan budget-friendly market chain’s business exemplary hinges connected producing products pinch akin packaging to lucifer its celebrated aforementioned brands successful an effort to “confuse” its customers. 

“Defendant is successful nan business of trading backstage explanation cooky and cracker snacks and has a shape and believe of trading products successful packaging that are unacceptable copies of Mondelēz’s waste and acquisition dress,” sounds nan complaint. “Because of this misconduct, Mondelēz has a history of enforcing its intelligence spot authorities against Defendant.”  

Mondelēz alleges that it has reached retired to Aldi successful nan past regarding nan mimicking of different merchandise designs, including Teddy Graham cookies, Belvita biscuits, Tate’s Bake Shop cookies and Triscuit crackers. 

According to nan complaint, Aldi “discontinued and/or changed definite of these infringing products” successful consequence to nan outreach. However, Mondelēz alleges Aldi ignored its akin petition regarding nan different merchandise lines, which led to nan general complaint. 

“Defendant’s willful infringement must beryllium stopped, and Mondelēz is entitled to retrieve nan important damages it has suffered,” sounds nan tribunal documents. “Defendant’s acts person caused and are apt to origin confusion, mistake, aliases deception successful nan minds of nan public.” 

Neither Mondelez International nor Aldi responded to PEOPLE’s attempts for comment.  

Mondelēz claims that nan alleged purposeful usage of its acquainted trading designs by Aldi is an effort to “ride nan coattails” of its products’ fame and use from its “power of attraction, fame and/or prestige, and to utilization nan trading effort expended by Mondelēz.” 

Mondelēz is seeking a assemblage trial, which will beryllium charged pinch determining nan grant amounts for treble damages, Mondelēz’s lawyer fees and costs, punitive damages, and immoderate different awards nan Court deems appropriate.