Chobani Fails to Dismiss Danone Lawsuit Over Cold-Brew Coffee Packaging

A U.S. federal judge has denied Chobani's request to dismiss a trademark lawsuit from rival Danone, allowing the case to proceed. The suit alleges that Chobani copied the packaging and marketing slogan for a competing line of ready-to-drink cold-brew coffee.

Details of the Ruling

In a decision on Monday, U.S. District Judge Jennifer Rochon in Manhattan found that Danone had plausibly alleged that Chobani's actions could confuse consumers. Danone, which owns the Dannon yogurt brand, claims that Chobani's La Colombe coffee brand copied the signature yellow-and-black color scheme and the slogan "Bright & Mellow" from Danone's SToK coffee.

Judge Rochon stated that Danone's allegations that Chobani imitated its packaging to make the two products look similar on store shelves "support a plausible inference of bad faith." The court also rejected Chobani’s argument that the slogan was merely generic or descriptive and therefore could not be trademarked.

Background of the Dispute

The lawsuit is the latest legal battle between the two food and beverage giants, who are primary competitors in the U.S. Greek-style yogurt market. Chobani entered the ready-to-drink coffee segment with its acquisition of La Colombe for $900 million in December 2023, placing it in direct competition with Danone's established SToK brand.

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In its defense, Chobani had characterized Danone's lawsuit as an "opportunistic attempt to weaponize trademark law against a superior competitor." Danone is seeking unspecified damages and changes to La Colombe's packaging and marketing to prevent further consumer confusion.

A Pattern of Litigation

This case marks at least the fourth lawsuit between Danone and Chobani since 2016, highlighting the intense rivalry between the companies. The legal friction extends beyond coffee.

Last month, Danone filed a separate suit accusing Chobani of inflating protein claims on its multi-serving yogurt tubs. Chobani founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya later responded in an interview, accusing Danone of "throwing things out there" to generate negative headlines.