### Mondelez International Sues Aldi Over Copycat Packaging

Snack industry giant Mondelez International has initiated legal action against the Aldi supermarket chain, alleging that Aldi's store-brand cookie and cracker packaging closely mimics iconic Mondelez products. In a federal lawsuit filed in Illinois, Mondelez contends that Aldi's packaging for items such as Chips Ahoy, Wheat Thins, and Oreos is "likely to deceive and confuse customers," posing a significant risk of irreparable harm to Mondelez's brand reputation. Mondelez is seeking financial compensation and a court injunction to halt Aldi's sale of these allegedly infringing products.

Named in the lawsuit, the U.S. branch of Aldi, headquartered in Batavia, Illinois, has not responded to requests for comment. Mondelez presented side-by-side comparisons of several products in the lawsuit, highlighting the similarities between Aldi's packaging and their own. For instance, Aldi’s Thin Wheat crackers come in a gold box closely resembling Mondelez’s Wheat Thins, and their chocolate sandwich cookies share blue packaging with Oreos. Similarly, Aldi’s Golden Round crackers are packaged in red boxes akin to Mondelez’s Ritz crackers.

Aldi, founded in Germany and known for keeping prices low by primarily offering private-label products, is rapidly growing in the United States. The chain now has over 2,500 stores in 39 states and recently announced that current COO Atty McGrath will take over as the U.S. CEO on September 1.

This is not the first time Aldi has faced accusations over packaging similarities. Last year, an Australian court ruled that Aldi had violated the copyright of Baby Bellies snack puffs packaging. Earlier this year, a U.K. appeals court sided with Thatchers, a cider company, in a case against Aldi over similar packaging designs.

Mondelez noted that they have previously contacted Aldi about these packaging issues. While Aldi has altered or discontinued some products, others remain on the shelves. Mondelez's lawsuit also claims that Aldi has violated their trade dress rights for Nutter Butter and Nilla Wafers cookies, as well as for their Premium cracker brand.