Mondelēz Sues Vegan Brand Over Toblerone Shape

Mondelēz International filed a lawsuit in the London High Court against Catherine’s Originals, a small British vegan chocolate brand, alleging trademark infringement and passing off. The company claims the O’bar, which sells for between £9.20 and £10.55, copies the distinctive chunky shape of the Toblerone bar through its rounded semi-oval humps.

Catherine Dodd, founder of Catherine’s Originals, denies the allegations and asserts that the design represents an O for Originals. She stated that the company will defend its identity and position. Legal adviser Stephen Lowry, representing the vegan brand, added that the O’bar possesses its own distinctive design and identity.

Mondelēz stated it attempted to resolve the dispute constructively for several months before initiating legal action. This case follows a 2017 dispute in which Mondelēz forced the retailer Poundland to modify its Twin Peaks bar due to similar concerns regarding product shape.