If you see a chocolate bar covered in a royal purple wrapper, there will now be no question that the candy is from Cadbury. A judge in London ruled that Cadbury is the only candy company that can use the specific purple shade, called Pantone 2865c, for its packaging.
According to Time, Nestlé has been warring with Kraft (which owns Cadbury) for four years over royal purple. Nestlé filed suit to stop a trademark given to Cadbury for the purple color in 2008. Last year, the British Intellectual Property Office ruled that Pantone 2865c be trademarked, but Nestlé appealed that decision.
More From Delish: 10 Decadently Delicious Gifts for the Chocoholic
The English High Court has now ruled in favor of Cadbury, ending the four-year dispute and giving Cadbury ownership over the color. The brand began using the royal purple packaging over 100 years ago in honor of Queen Victory. The Huffington Post reports the judge's statement: "The evidence clearly supports a finding that purple is distinctive of Cadbury for milk chocolate."
More From Delish: What's Your Chocolate IQ?
While the trademark is limited to chocolate and drinks only — leaving Nestlé with some arenas to continue using the color — Cadbury was pleased with the victory. A spokesperson stated that the royal purple color is something employees "jealously guard." With the final ruling on the matter, it looks like Cadbury's distinctive royal purple packaging is all set to last another 100 years.
Do you think that companies should be able to trademark colors for their brands?
Find more great food content on Delish:
- Search for the perfect recipe from our homepage
- Find out the latest food news
- Get a recipe book to save your favorite dishes
- Sign up for our free newsletters
- Check us out on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter
