Magnum sues Aldi in Ireland over alleged ‘Gianni’ ice‑cream trademark breach

Magnum Ice Cream Company has taken legal action against Aldi Stores (Ireland) Ltd, alleging that the retailer’s ‘Gianni’ ice‑cream range infringes Magnum’s trademarks.

The Commercial Court heard that the ‘Gianni’ products are sold in packaging that is “identical or confusingly similar” to several Magnum items, including Magnum, Vienetta, Feast, Ben & Jerry’s, Solero, Twister and Cornetto.

Magnum, headquartered in Amsterdam and formerly part of Unilever, describes itself as the world’s largest ice‑cream company with €7.9 billion in revenue and a 21 % share of the global market.

Ms Justice Eileen Roberts admitted the proceedings on Monday after Magnum’s global IP counsel, Katherine Tsang, filed an affidavit stating that Aldi had been selling copy‑cat versions of Magnum products in both the UK and Ireland.

Magnum’s lawyers issued a cease‑and‑desist letter on 24 September, but by 15 October no substantive response had been received from Aldi’s solicitors. The case has been placed on the fast‑track commercial list and adjourned to April.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: Jess Loiterton / Pexels.