# Mondelez Challenges Vegan Brand Over Snowball Trademark Global confectionery giant demands removal of vegan chocolate products citing trademark infringement. - **Source:** [Business | The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/uk/business) - **Published:** 2026-11-02 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/a47fbd3c-19c2-4588-8d77-038aedb0992a ## Trademark Dispute Escalation Mondelez International has initiated a legal challenge against Moo Free, a Devon-based vegan chocolate manufacturer. The dispute centers on the use of the term Snowball for confectionery products. Mondelez, which owns the Cadbury brand, claims the name infringes upon its registered trademark for chocolate items, which it has held since 2001. ## Product Line Comparison Cadbury has sold its Mini Snow Balls in the UK since 1966, featuring Dairy Milk chocolate with a white icing shell. Conversely, Moo Free produces White Choccy Snowballs, which are gluten-free rice balls coated in dairy-free white chocolate. These products target distinct consumer segments, specifically those seeking allergen-free and vegan-friendly festive treats. ## Moo Free Defense Strategy Mike Jessop, co-founder of Moo Free, argues that the term snowball is generic and should not be restricted by a single corporation. The company has been selling these specific items for two years without prior complaints. Moo Free maintains that no infringement has occurred and is currently contesting the legal demands received. ## Timing and Market Impact The legal pressure arrives just before the peak Christmas trading season, threatening Moo Free's shelf presence in major UK supermarkets. This timing creates significant operational strain for the smaller brand. Mondelez has requested the immediate removal of the products, though they claim to be open to reaching an amicable resolution with the firm. ## Broader Legal Context This conflict follows a separate legal action initiated by Mondelez against Catherine’s Originals regarding the chunky shape of the Toblerone bar. These simultaneous disputes highlight a aggressive strategy by the conglomerate to protect its intellectual property assets. Both smaller brands have expressed disappointment regarding the heavy-handed nature of these recent corporate legal interventions. ## Historical Industry Precedents The UK confectionery market has seen previous legal battles involving the term snowball, though these were primarily tax-related. In 2014, Tunnock’s and Lees of Scotland successfully argued that their marshmallow-based snowballs qualified as cakes. This ruling exempted their products from VAT, demonstrating that the term has historically been interpreted broadly within the industry. ## Corporate Stance and Communication Mondelez maintains that its Cadbury Snow Balls are a staple festive product for UK households. The company clarifies that while it has contacted Moo Free to assert its trademark rights, formal litigation has not yet been filed. They emphasize a preference for resolution, despite the initial demand for the removal of products. ## Future Implications for Brands The outcome of this dispute could set a significant precedent for how generic food terms are trademarked in the UK. Small businesses must now navigate the risk of using common festive terminology that may be legally protected by larger entities. The situation underscores the ongoing tension between established market leaders and emerging niche brands. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/nov/02/snowball-fight-cadbury-owner-in-trademark-row-over-festive-chocolate-treat — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._