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

Published Aug 25, 04:21 PM UTC

A federal judge, Kevin Castel of the Southern District of New York, dismissed major portions of a lawsuit filed by Ben & Jerry's against its former parent company Unilever. The ice cream maker had accused Unilever of violating the 2000 merger agreement by censoring its social activism, including protests against the war in Gaza and planned criticism of President Donald Trump, and by dismantling its independent board. The judge ruled that the merger agreement's plain language did not grant Ben & Jerry's independent directors or its foundation the right to sue over board appointments or removals. However, claims related to a 2022 settlement over the sale of trademark rights in Israel were allowed to proceed, including allegations that Unilever failed to pay $2.5 million to Ben & Jerry's and $2 million to support Palestinian almond farmers. The ruling largely upholds Unilever's control over the brand's governance while leaving some contractual disputes unresolved.