Cadbury owner Mondelēz in trademark row with Moo Free over Snowballs chocolate

Mondelēz International, the owner of Cadbury and Toblerone, has sent a legal letter to small vegan chocolate brand Moo Free, demanding it remove its White Choccy Snowballs from shelves. The dispute centers on the use of the word “snowball,” which Mondelēz claims infringes its trademark for Mini Snow Balls, a festive chocolate treat. Moo Free’s product is a gluten-free, dairy-free white chocolate rice ball, while Mondelēz’s Mini Snow Balls are a mainstream chocolate snack. This case highlights the challenges small brands face when large corporations protect their trademarks, especially during the competitive holiday season. If Moo Free complies, it could lose a key seasonal product; if it fights, it may face costly legal proceedings. The outcome could set a precedent for how descriptive terms like “snowball” are treated in trademark law, affecting other vegan and specialty brands. For now, the festive treat battle underscores the power imbalance between global food giants and niche producers.