Latest news with #JoshGerben
The Verge
16-06-2025
- Business
- The Verge
Your next phone could run on Trump Mobile
Donald Trump might be planning to launch a mobile network and a Trump-branded phone. DTTM Operations LLC, the company Trump uses to manage his trademarks, has applied to use both 'Trump' and 'T1' for telecoms, mobile accessories, and even phones themselves. The applications, filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office last Thursday, cover wireless phone services, mobile phones, cases, and chargers, plus retail stores to sell them all. A trademark application doesn't guarantee that a Trump mobile network is about to launch, but it does signal intent. 'The specificity of the applications points to serious consideration,' patent attorney Josh Gerben wrote in a blog post on Friday, noting that as part of the filing a lawyer for Trump will have 'signed a sworn declaration affirming the company's genuine plans to bring these goods and services to market.' Trump launching a mobile network could have complications. For one, Gerben points out that T-Mobile might have a thing or two to say about the application, since 'T1' could infringe on its own trademarks. That's before we get to the question of how FCC chairman Brendan Carr will handle regulating a network owned by his boss. Trump isn't the only public figure with his sights set on telecoms. While Ryan Reynolds has gotten out after selling his stake in Mint Mobile to T-Mobile in 2023, just last week saw the launch of SmartLess Mobile, brought to you by the podcast of the same name hosted by Hollywood stars Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, and Sean Hayes.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Unusual Reason One Snack Giant Is Taking Legal Action Against This Fan-Favorite Grocery Chain
The Unusual Reason One Snack Giant Is Taking Legal Action Against This Fan-Favorite Grocery Chain originally appeared on Parade. The tale of a corporate giant going after a smaller rival is nothing new—and frankly, it's a narrative that's wearing thin. This time around, it's snack giant Mondelez that's suing the beloved grocery chain Aldi, alleging that the grocer's store-brand snack packaging 'blatantly copies' its own. While Mondelez, the extremely successful maker of Oreo, Triscuit and Chips Ahoy, might seem unlikely to object to similar products on the market, the company is taking a hard stance. The lawsuit filed May 27 claims Aldi's cookie and cracker packaging is 'likely to deceive and confuse' customers, raising broader questions about the boundaries of fair competition in grocery retail. 😋😋SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter🍳🍔 At the moment, Aldi has not responded to inquiries from multiple sources regarding the lawsuit. What we do know is that the popular discount supermarket primarily sells its own versions of well-known name-brand products at significantly lower prices. The lawsuit claims that Aldi's peanut butter creme-filled cookies, chocolate chip cookies and Thin Wheat crackers have packaging similar to Nutter Butter, Chips Ahoy and Wheat Thins—among other similarities. Mondelez previously contacted Aldi about alleged 'copycat' packaging designs for several products, including Oreo cookies, Teddy Grahams, Belvita biscuits, Triscuit crackers and Tate's Bake Shop cookies. In response, Aldi reportedly 'discontinued' and 'changed certain of these infringing products,' according to Mondelez's statement.'I can go to the store and reasonably assume that I recognize the name, and that's who I'm buying from,' Trademark lawyer Josh Gerben told reporters. Some customers 'think that they might be buying something from the Oreo brand or Wheat Thins, but they're actually getting a substitute.'Per the lawsuit, Mondelez is seeking monetary damages as well as a court order to prevent Aldi from selling similar products. This isn't the first time Aldi has faced legal challenges either. Last December, the grocer found itself in Australian federal court over a copyright infringement dispute involving children's snacks. With over 2,400 locations across the United States and more than 225 additional stores planned for 2025, it's hard to imagine Aldi wouldn't want to nip this issue in the bud and adjust its strategy moving forward. While many shoppers appreciate the value of Aldi-branded products over big-name brands, no one wants to see the beloved discount retailer get caught up in unnecessary legal Unusual Reason One Snack Giant Is Taking Legal Action Against This Fan-Favorite Grocery Chain first appeared on Parade on Jun 12, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Chips Ahoy and Oreo maker Mondelez sues grocery chain Aldi over similar packaging
Snack brand giant Mondelez is suing grocery chain Aldi, alleging that the grocer's store-brand snack packaging 'blatantly copies' Mondelez. The maker of Oreo, Triscuit and Chips Ahoy filed the lawsuit on May 27 against the German grocer, which has US headquarters in Illinois, in the federal court for the Northern District of Illinois. Chicago-based Mondelez said in the lawsuit that Aldi's cookie and cracker packaging was 'likely to deceive and confuse' customers. Aldi did not respond to CNN's request for comment. The discount supermarket chain primarily sells store-brand versions for lower prices than popular name brands, such as those owned by Mondelez. Mondelez said in its filing that it previously contacted Aldi about 'copycats' of the Oreo cookie design, Teddy Grahams, Belvita biscuits, Triscuit crackers and Tate's Bake Shop cookies. Aldi eventually 'discontinued' and 'changed certain of these infringing products,' Mondelez said. Trademark lawyer Josh Gerben, who is not involved in this case, said the law is designed to protect consumers. 'I can go to the store and reasonably assume that I recognize the name, and that's who I'm buying from,' Gerben said, but some customers 'think that they might be buying something from the Oreo brand or Wheat Thins, but they're actually getting a substitute.' The lawsuit claims Aldi's peanut butter creme-filled cookies, chocolate chip cookies and Thin Wheat crackers have packaging similar to Nutter Butter, Chips Ahoy and Wheat Thins, among other similarities. Mondelez said in the lawsuit that 'if not stopped,' Aldi's packaging threatens to 'irreparably harm' Mondelez and its brands. Mondelez is seeking monetary damages as well as a court order to prevent Aldi from selling such products, according to the filing. Mondelez did not respond to CNN's request for comment. This is not the first time Aldi has faced a lawsuit over its store-brand products looking overtly similar in name, color and design to other brands. Last December, an Australian federal court said Aldi was liable for copyright infringement over children's snacks packaging that resembled Hampden Holdings' Baby Bellies puffs packaging. 'You want to fly close enough to the sun because you want the benefit of something,' but not too close, Gerben said. He added that such lawsuits are a case-by-case analysis and there's no 'bright line test' that would decide Aldi's liability. Aldi has over 2,400 locations in the United States. In February, the chain announced plans to open 225 stores in 2025. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
