Judge Dismisses Most Ben & Jerry's Lawsuit Against Unilever

U.S. District Judge Kevin Castel dismissed the majority of a lawsuit filed by Ben & Jerry's and its independent directors against Unilever. The ice cream maker accused Unilever of violating a 2000 merger agreement by dismantling its independent board and censoring social activism, specifically regarding protests against the war in Gaza and planned criticism of President Donald Trump.

Judge Castel dismissed seven claims and a portion of an eighth, ruling that the merger agreement did not grant the company's directors or its foundation the right to sue on the company's behalf concerning board appointments. However, two claims survived the motion, involving $4.5 million in missed payments for trademark rights in Israel and support for Palestinian almond farmers.

As part of the ruling, the judge designated Magnum, the current owner of Ben & Jerry's, as the primary defendant in the case instead of Unilever. Separately, former independent board chair Anuradha Mittal has filed a defamation lawsuit against both Unilever and Magnum.