C. Krueger Cookies Lawsuit: Founder’s New Venture Faces Lookalike Claims and Executive Exodus
A contentious lawsuit, filed in 2018, embroiled Cheryl Krueger, founder of iconic Cheryl’s Cookies, and her new venture, C. Krueger’s, in accusations of trademark infringement, unfair competition, and contractual breaches. Cheryl & Co. (plaintiff) claimed C. Krueger’s cookies and packaging imitated their designs, while also alleging several former executives poached in violation of noncompete agreements. C. Krueger (defendant) vehemently denied both claims, asserting product originality and challenging the enforceability of noncompete clauses. The outcome remains unconfirmed as of December 2023.
| omplete Date | Case | Citation | Court | Short Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2018 | Cheryl & Co. v. CKE Management (C. Krueger’s) | N/A | U.S. District Court, S.D. Ohio | Trademark infringement, unfair competition, breach of contract, noncompete agreements |
| Ongoing | Counterclaims & Cross-motions for Summary Judgment | N/A | N/A | C. Krueger’s rebuttal and challenges to specific claims |
| Dec 2023 | Outcome Unknown | N/A | N/A | Awaiting final ruling from the court |
Key Points:
- Cheryl Krueger founded Cheryl & Co. in 1981 and sold it in 2005.
- C. Krueger’s began selling similar cookies and using comparable packaging in 2018.
- Cheryl & Co. argues C. Krueger’s copied its designs and poached key executives with valuable trade secrets.
- C. Krueger’s refutes these claims, emphasizing their own product development and questioning the validity of noncompete agreements.
- Legal proceedings involved counterclaims and cross-motions for summary judgment, with a final verdict still pending.
Disclaimer: This information is based on publicly available records and may not be exhaustive. It does not constitute legal advice. For current updates and detailed case specifics, consult with a legal professional.
