Mondelēz sues vegan chocolate brand over Toblerone shape

Mondelēz subsidiary Kraft Foods Schweiz Holding GmbH has launched legal action against vegan chocolate maker Catherine’s Originals, alleging its O’bar infringes Toblerone’s iconic shape trademark. Catherine’s Originals denies the claims and vows to defend its position.

Mondelēz sues vegan chocolate brand over Toblerone shape Mondelēz subsidiary Kraft Foods Schweiz Holding GmbH has launched legal action against British vegan chocolate maker Catherine's Originals, alleging its O'bar infringes Toblerone's iconic shape trademark. Catherine's Originals denies the claims and vows to defend its position. Mondelēz filed High Court papers in England and Wales on 15 October 2026, accusing Catherine's Originals of "passing off" and trademark infringement over the O'bar bar, which features a series of rounded, semi-oval segments. The case is listed as a "passing off and trade marks" dispute. Catherine's Originals was founded in 2021 by Catherine Dodd, then a teenager, and makes its chocolate in Walberton, Sussex. The brand sells O'bar bars online, at markets, and by subscription; a 200g milk or plain variety costs £9.20, while pumpkin spice or cinnamon swirl varieties cost up to £10.55. A standard milk chocolate Toblerone costs around £2.50. Dodd has previously said the shape reflects the 'O' in Originals and that the company has no commercial affiliation with either Toblerone or Mondelēz. In response to the lawsuit, she posted on the Catherine's Originals website on 26 October titled "No one likes a bully," calling the pressure "frightening" and describing it as feeling like being "bullied into submission." The brand's legal adviser, Stephen Lowry of Brandsmiths, said: "Our client disagrees with the claim and considers O'bar to have its own distinctive design and identity." Catherine's Originals has not yet responded to further comment requests.

Read source: Food Navigator