Ritter Sport sieht Markenrechte durch Müsliriegel-Hersteller verletzt

In a legal battle between chocolate manufacturer Ritter Sport and Wacker from Mannheim, the dispute over the "Monnemer Quadrat Bio" square oatmeal cookie is set to proceed to the next stage. Ritter Sport has filed a lawsuit against Wacker, who introduced the square oatmeal cookie in November 2024, claiming that the packaging design resembles their own 100-gram chocolate bar.

The Mannheim-based company states that the square shape and longer side bars of the cookie infringe upon their trademark, which has been protected since 1996. Ritter Sport argues that both products target the same audience and occasion, potentially causing a brand collision. The chocolate maker holds a blank packet design for chocolate registered with the German Patent and Trademark Office, featuring typical side tabs and a hinged back for folding.

Beyond seeking damages, Ritter Sport seeks an end to the use of the current packaging and requests a recall of previously shipped goods. Wacker's founder, Matteo Wacker, remains optimistic about the trial, asserting that the square shape is a basic geometric form and should not be protected. The Wacker family produces oatmeal cookies and maintains that there is no confusion between their products and those of Ritter Sport.

However, they have temporarily removed the square oatmeal cookie from their online shop, replacing it with a rectangular one named "Monnemer Klageriegel" to avoid potential legal consequences. If the dispute extends over several years, the cost of each sold cookie could increase due to potential damages. The Oberlandesgericht has scheduled only one hearing, with no clear timeline for a formal decision, which may eventually be appealed to the Bundesgerichtshof.