"lindt" news and stories

Some European lawyers just ended up on the naughty side of Santa's list -- and the European Union's highest court doesn't think too much of them, either.

In a Grinch-worthy move, lawyers for two of the continent's biggest chocolate makers -- Lindt & Spruengli in Switzerland and August Storck in Germany -- tried to corner the market on chocolate reindeer, as well as treats for other holidays, like chocolate Easter bunnies wrapped in gold foil.

The companies sought to trademark such products and prevent a herd of holiday knockoffs from stampeding across the shelves of European markets. But the General Court of the European Union in Luxembourg wasn't buying it, ruling instead that the various shapes the companies wanted exclusive rights to were, essentially, symbols of the holidays themselves. "A rabbit, a reindeer and a small bell are typical shapes in which chocolate and chocolate goods are presented at certain times of the year," the court ruled, according to the Associated Press.

Next thing you know, they'll be trying to trademark hearts for Valentine's Day.

A little spat has broken out in Switzerland over a trademark dispute over a red ribboned Easter bunny.

Chocolate makers Lindt says it holds the right, copyrighted since 2000, to manufacture golden Easter bunnies tied around the neck with red ribbon. In neighbouring Austria Hauswirth also makes a similar product and has done for 50 years.

Hauswirth is a small company in comparison to Lindt and refused suggestions from Lindt's lawyers to replace the wrapper with a bronze one or the red ribbon with a green one. A court order prevented Hauswirth with selling their bunnies this year; a move that prompted them to give away thousands of chocolates to children across Austria.

A further court date has been set for June.

Source

Believe it or not, there are a lot of people who simply do not care for chocolate. It can be too bitter or too rich for some, while others don't really like the flavor. It is possible that, while they might enjoy the occasional piece, your Valentine simply would prefer to get something other than a box of decadent dark chocolate truffles for Valentine's Day.

In the candy category, caramel is at least equal to chocolate in richness and flavor. Many caramels are sold covered in chocolate, but the Little Flower Candy Company in Los Angeles, makes unbelievably delicious (and chocolate free) Sea Salt Caramels, which would be an unusual, sweet treat for your Valentine. They also have a wide variety of marshmallows, though most would still think that they are best when paired with hot chocolate. Other candy options might include divinity or even peanut brittle, which is certainly tasty, if not particularly romantic.