Swiss court favours Lindt, orders Lidl to destroy chocolate bunnies. Details here

Lidl Stiftung & Co. KG is a German international discount retail chain that operates over 11,000 stores across Europe and the United States. According to a Swiss high court, Lidl must trash several chocolate bunnies because they are too similar to Swiss chocolatier and confectionery company Lindt's.

The Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland ruled that the rabbits from Lidl's products were too identical to those from Lindt & Sprüngli, whether they were wrapped in gold or another colour of aluminum foil.





It prohibited treats selling in the Swiss Lidl Schweiz and Lidl Schweiz DL stores.
The "Gold Bunny," which has a red ribbon, a tiny bell, and a sitting position, is one of the best-selling products from the Swiss company Lindt.

Similar Chocolate Bunnies Caused Confusion

Lindt appears to be aware of this, based on surveys it supplied as part of its protracted legal battle to outlaw imitation milk chocolate bunnies.
Despite some distinctions, Lidl's and its chocolate bunnies were allegedly likely to cause consumer confusion, according to a complaint filed by Lindt in 2018.
Last year, the Swiss Aargau cantonal commercial court rejected Lindt's complaint.

Previous Battles

This legal dispute between two businesses over the right to offer candies in the shape of animals is not the first of its kind. A German court, however, gave Lindt another legal victory in 2021 when it ruled that the foil's golden colour was covered by trademark law.

FAQs

Which Lindt chocolate is in the bunny?
Lindt's Gold Bunny chocolate makes you feel special and loved.

When was Lidl established?
Lidl was established in 1932.