Soft drinks giant Robinsons has launched legal action against discount supermarket Aldi, accusing the retailer of trademark infringement over its mini squash product.

The lawsuit, filed in the UK’s High Court on 19 March, alleges that Aldi’s Sun Quench Squirty Squash closely resembles Robinsons’ Mini squash range. The case is being handled by intellectual property law firm Stobbs, which has previously represented Marks & Spencer in similar legal battles against Aldi.

ongoing legal battles over lookalike products

Aldi has faced multiple trademark disputes in recent years. Earlier in 2024, the retailer lost a case against cider producer Thatchers when the Court of Appeal ruled that Aldi’s Cloudy Lemon Cider had infringed Thatchers’ trademark. Aldi has since announced plans to appeal the decision.

Aldi has maintained that its exclusive brands offer consumers affordable alternatives to well-known products. Following the Thatchers ruling, an Aldi spokesperson stated: “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 customers know what they are buying when they shop with us.”

The supermarket has also previously settled out of court with M&S over claims it copied the design of the iconic Colin the Caterpillar cake. Additionally, M&S won a 2024 lawsuit against Aldi regarding a festive ‘light-up’ gin liqueur bottle.

Expert legal perspective

Varuni Paranavitane, counsel at Finnegan, Henderson, Farabow, Garrett & Dunner LLP, commented: “The case filed by Robinsons against Aldi is for trademark infringement and passing off and is certainly one that brand owners will eagerly watch. Following on from the Court of Appeal’s decision in Thatchers Cider v Aldi which found that Aldi had infringed, whilst this case will depend on its specific facts and how infringement is argued, it appears that there may be a sea of change now in favour of brand owners.”

Industry impact and next steps

While the specifics of Robinsons’ case against Aldi have yet to be disclosed, the outcome could set another precedent in the ongoing debate over lookalike products in the retail sector.