Oreo maker sues Aldi in US over 'copycat' packaging

Mondelēz International, the company famous for making Oreo cookies, has filed a lawsuit against Aldi, a discount supermarket chain in the United States. The lawsuit claims that Aldi has copied the packaging design of Oreo’s chocolate sandwich cookies in a way that could mislead customers. According to court documents, Mondelēz argues that Aldi’s packaging is so similar to Oreo’s that it might deceive shoppers into thinking they are buying the original Oreo product. Mondelēz also owns other popular snack brands such as Wheat Thins, Nutter Butter, Chips Ahoy! , and Ritz. The company accuses Aldi of copying the packaging of these snacks as well, offering cheaper versions that closely resemble the originals. Aldi US has not responded to requests for comment, but Aldi UK has stated that it is not involved in the lawsuit because it operates separately despite sharing ownership with Aldi US.

The lawsuit was submitted in May after Mondelēz tried multiple times to resolve the issue with Aldi. Although Aldi changed the packaging of some products, it continued to sell others with packaging that Mondelēz considers unacceptable copies. The snack company warns that if Aldi is allowed to continue, it could cause serious harm to the Mondelēz brand’s reputation and value. The lawsuit includes side-by-side photos of Mondelēz’s products and Aldi’s versions to highlight the similarities. Mondelēz accuses Aldi of trademark infringement, unfair competition, and unjust enrichment, and is seeking damages for the harm caused.

Aldi is known for its business model of selling low-priced private label products that look and feel like well-known brands. With over 2,500 stores in the US, Aldi offers affordable alternatives to popular snacks. This is not the first time Aldi has faced legal challenges over product copying. Earlier this year, Aldi lost a lawsuit brought by Thatchers, a cider producer, which claimed Aldi copied the taste and appearance of its drinks. This ongoing legal battle shows how important it is for companies like Mondelēz to protect their brands and ensure customers are not confused by similar packaging from discount retailers like Aldi.