Overview
- The Landgericht Stuttgart is hearing Ritter Sport’s bid to stop Wacker from selling its square‑packaged “Monnemer Quadrat Bio” oat bar and to order a product recall.
- Ritter Sport argues its three‑dimensional square packaging is a core brand identifier protected since 1996, supported by a prior Bundesgerichtshof win in 2020.
- Wacker denies any likelihood of confusion, citing different goods, target consumers and use occasions for an organic oat snack versus a chocolate bar.
- The German Patent and Trademark Office confirms Ritter holds a blank, square form mark with characteristic side flaps and a back seam, and Ritter also flags the product’s use of the word “Quadrat.”
- Wacker says it has cut production and estimates litigation costs could reach about €80,000 if appealed, while both sides discussed packaging changes such as lengthening the pack before the lawsuit proceeded.