Chobani Seeks Dismissal of Danone's Trademark Lawsuit Over Coffee Branding
Sourse: dairynews.today
Chobani has urged a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by Danone, the parent company of rival yoghurt brand Dannon.
The lawsuit claims that Chobani copied packaging and the "Bright & Mellow" slogan for its competing line of La Colombe ready-to-drink cold brew coffee. Danone accused Chobani of a "knowing, calculated, and systematic" trademark infringement, stating that the yellow-and-black packaging of La Colombe closely resembles its own SToK coffee, potentially confusing consumers. In a filing in Manhattan federal court, Chobani argues that it made fair use of the terms "bright" and "mellow," describing them as generic words that convey expected coffee flavors and are not eligible for trademark protection.
Chobani contended there was no consumer association of the phrase with Danone and called the lawsuit an "opportunistic attempt to weaponize trademark law against a superior competitor." Chobani's recent acquisition of La Colombe for $900 million underscores its market ambitions. Meanwhile, Danone holds its position, emphasizing the distinctiveness of its SToK Cold Brew brand. This lawsuit marks the third legal clash between Danone and Chobani in the past decade.
Chobani contended there was no consumer association of the phrase with Danone and called the lawsuit an "opportunistic attempt to weaponize trademark law against a superior competitor." Chobani's recent acquisition of La Colombe for $900 million underscores its market ambitions. Meanwhile, Danone holds its position, emphasizing the distinctiveness of its SToK Cold Brew brand. This lawsuit marks the third legal clash between Danone and Chobani in the past decade.
