Judge dismisses most of Ben & Jerry's lawsuit against Unilever over social mission

Published Aug 23, 03:43 PM UTC

A federal judge, Kevin Castel, dismissed major portions of a lawsuit filed by Ben & Jerry's against its former parent company, Unilever. The lawsuit alleged Unilever violated the 2000 merger agreement by censoring the ice cream maker's social activism, including protests against the war in Gaza and planned criticism of President Donald Trump, and by dismantling its board. Judge Castel ruled that the merger agreement's 'plain meaning' did not grant Ben & Jerry's independent board or its foundation the right to sue over director appointments or removals. However, claims related to a 2022 settlement over trademark rights in Israel, including missed payments of $2.5 million to Ben & Jerry's and $2 million to support Palestinian almond farmers, were allowed to proceed. The case highlights ongoing tensions between Ben & Jerry's social mission and Unilever's corporate control.