Key facts
- Mondelēz International is suing Catherine's Originals for allegedly copying Toblerone's shape with its O'bar.
- Catherine's Originals' O'bar chocolate bars cost between £9.20 and £10.55.
- A standard milk chocolate Toblerone costs £2.50.
- Catherine's Originals was founded in 2021 by Catherine Dodd and makes chocolate in Sussex, England.
Mondelēz International, the owner of the iconic Toblerone chocolate bar, has initiated legal action against a small British vegan chocolate brand, Catherine's Originals. The lawsuit, filed at the high court in London, accuses the company of "passing off" and trademark infringement with its O'bar product, which Mondelēz claims mimics Toblerone's distinctive chunky shape. Catherine's Originals, founded in 2021, defended its product's unique design, stating it reflects the 'O' for Originals and that they strongly disagree with the claim. Mondelēz stated that the Toblerone shape has been a hallmark of the brand since 1929 and that they have a responsibility to protect their intellectual property after failing to reach a constructive agreement with the smaller company.