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Mondelez Takes Aldi to Court Over Alleged Copycat Snack Packaging

Mondelez is seeking monetary damages with a court order to block sales of Aldi’s private-label snacks that it says copy its distinctive packaging.

Packages of Chips Ahoy Cookies are displayed next to Aldi Supermarket's Benton's brand cookies on May 30, 2025 in Burbank, California. Snack food maker Mondelez International is suing German supermarket chain Aldi for allegedly copying the packaging of its cookie and cracker brands. The federal lawsuit filed earlier this week in Illinois is seeking monetary damages and a court order to stop Aldi from selling products that infringe on its trademarks.
The maker of Chips Ahoy cookies is suing a discount grocery store chain, claiming it “blatantly” copied its chocolate chip cookie and other snack packaging to “deceive and confuse” customers.

Mondelez has filed a federal lawsuit against German grocer Aldi, seeking monetary damages and a court order to stop Aldi from selling the products. Photo by FDA
This combo of images shows, top row from left, Mondelez's products Nutter Butter, Chips Ahoy! and Oreo cookies; bottom row from left, shows Aldi’s products, Peanut Butter Creme, Chocolate Chip Cookies and Original Chocolate Sandwich Cookies with Vanilla.
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Overview

  • The complaint filed May 27 in the Northern District of Illinois alleges Aldi’s packaging for cookies and crackers closely mimics designs of Oreo, Chips Ahoy! and Wheat Thins.
  • Mondelez argues the look-alike packaging is “likely to deceive and confuse” consumers and dilute the value of its trade dress.
  • The lawsuit says Mondelez previously warned Aldi about copycat items, prompting the grocer to discontinue or change some products before reverting to similar designs.
  • Mondelez is requesting a jury trial to determine treble damages, legal fees, punitive awards and an injunction preventing further distribution of the disputed packaging.
  • Aldi, which operates over 2,400 U.S. stores and plans to open more than 225 this year, has faced similar packaging lawsuits, including a December Copyright ruling in Australia.