Cider manufacturer Thatchers wins court battle with Aldi
21st January 2025
Somerset-based cider producer Thatchers has won a court appeal against supermarket chain Aldi following claims that store had “copycatted” the appearance of manufacturer’s Cloudy Lemon Cider.
The manufacturer said that Aldi’s Taurus drink, released in 2022, had been “riding on the coat-tails” of Thatchers’ reputation.
In January 2024, the High Court in London dismissed Thatchers’ case, but the latest hearing has led to a judge ruling in Thatchers’ favour, BBC News reported.
The latest decision made by the Court of Appeal states that Aldi had infringed Thatchers’ trademark with its sign, referring to the drink’s packaging.
Victory for cider makers
Martin Thatcher, a fourth-generation cidermaker at Thatchers Cider, told the BBC that this is a victory for “all businesses whose innovation is stifled by copycats”.
An Aldi spokesperson commented on the news: “We are disappointed that the Court of Appeal disagreed with the High Court in this case.
“We think the Court of Appeal’s decision is wrong, and we intend to appeal.
“Aldi offers exclusive brands as low-price alternatives to more expensive branded products.
“The High Court was clear that Aldi customers know what they are buying when they shop with us.”
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