### Oreo Maker Mondelēz Sues Aldi Over Alleged Packaging Copycat

Mondelēz International, the corporation behind iconic snacks like Oreo cookies, has launched a lawsuit in the United States against the budget supermarket chain, Aldi. The snack giant accuses Aldi of "blatantly" imitating the packaging of its well-known products, allegedly to mislead consumers and leverage Mondelēz's established reputation.

Court documents reveal that Mondelēz claims Aldi's packaging is designed to "deceive" shoppers and exploit the "attraction, fame, and prestige" of popular Mondelēz products. The corporation, which also owns brands such as Wheat Thins, Nutter Butter, Chips Ahoy!, and Ritz, alleges that Aldi has created "discount" versions of these items that are confusingly similar to the originals.

While Aldi US did not respond to a request for comment from the BBC, Aldi's UK division clarified that it is not implicated in the legal proceedings. The British arm emphasized that although both branches are under the same ownership, they function as entirely independent entities.

Mondelēz filed the lawsuit in May, indicating that it had previously reached out to Aldi on numerous occasions about the "confusingly similar packaging." Despite Aldi discontinuing or modifying the packaging for some products, Mondelēz claims that the supermarket continues to produce "unacceptable copies." According to the lawsuit, allowing Aldi to continue its current practices would "irreparably harm" Mondelēz's brand.

The legal documents include side-by-side comparisons of Mondelēz's products and Aldi's versions, illustrating the similarities. Mondelēz accuses Aldi of trademark infringement, unfair competition, and unjust enrichment, and the company is seeking damages. They argue that Aldi’s business model relies heavily on "low-priced private label products that resemble the look and feel of well-known brands."

Aldi, headquartered in Germany, is renowned for offering affordable alternatives to established brands. The supermarket operates more than 2,500 stores in the US alone.

This lawsuit is not the first time Aldi has faced allegations of copying. Earlier in the year, Aldi lost a legal dispute with cider producers Thatchers, who accused the retailer of mimicking the "taste and appearance" of its drink.