Oreo Maker Mondelez Sues Aldi Over “Copycat” Packaging Allegations

Mondelez International—the company behind Oreos, Chips Ahoy!, and Wheat Thins—is taking legal action against discount giant Aldi, alleging that the supermarket chain’s store-brand packaging is a "blatant copy" of its iconic designs. Filed in an Illinois federal court on May 27, 2025, the lawsuit claims that Aldi’s packaging for its cookies and crackers is likely to deceive and confuse consumers, ultimately diluting the distinctive quality of Mondelez’s well-established brands.

Allegations of Trademark Infringement

According to court documents, Mondelez argues that Aldi’s use of similar fonts, colors, and product imagery on its private-label products—including items that mimic the look of Oreos, Wheat Thins, and Nutter Butters—creates a high risk of consumer confusion. Mondelez contends that despite prior communications and some modifications made by Aldi to certain packages, several products continue to use designs that are unmistakably similar to those of the popular snack brands it owns. The lawsuit is seeking monetary damages along with a court order to halt the continued sale of these allegedly infringing products.

A Pattern in the Discount Retail Sector

Legal experts note that this isn’t the first time Aldi has faced such scrutiny. The retailer’s business model, which heavily relies on private-label products offered at lower prices, has drawn similar legal challenges in other markets—both domestically and internationally. This latest suit from Mondelez underscores ongoing tensions between established brand owners and discount retailers over intellectual property rights in product packaging. If successful, the ruling could set a precedent for how trade dress protections are enforced in the competitive grocery industry.