The copycat-erpillar case of Colin vs Cuthbert was an unforgettable moment this year.- seeing retailers M&S file a copyright infringement claim with the High Court over a, erm, cake.
The drama spiralled as Aldi and M&S exchanged barbs on Twitter, with Aldi even calling on Cecil, Wiggles, Curly, Clyde (the respective caterpillar cakes of fellow supermarkets Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and Asda) for support.
But the German supermarket chain really finished things off when they tweeted that Cuthbert ‘has been found GUILTY…of being delicious’.
And now, it appears, that it’s happening all over again.
Even though we may have thought the days of caterpillar cake wars and supermarkets suing each other are over, it’s now been revealed that M&S is once again launching legal action against Aldi and has accused the retailer copying the design of one of it’s most popular festive products this year – a Christmas gin liqueur with gold flakes.
M&S – who said it was one of the first to introduce glitter gin globes to the UK market – is taking Aldi to court for selling its own version of the festive drink, which is named ‘The Infusionist’.
The popular retailer is believed to have filed papers at the High Court on 3 December alleging that Aldi’s version copies the ‘M&S Light-Up Gin’ and has been available for sale since early November.
Image: M&S has accused Aldi of copying the design of one of it’s most popular festive alcohol products this year / Credit: Aldi UK
‘The Infusionist’ gins are available in clementine and blackberry flavours, and work out at £6 cheaper than the M&S Light-Up Gins – which come in identical bell-shaped bottles that are illuminated from below, with edible gold flakes floating in the liquid.
M&S is seeking an injunction to restrain the discount retailer from infringing its designs, and is requiring it to surrender or destroy its stock, and pay damages plus costs.
Aldi has already rejected requests to stop selling the products.
The documents submitted by M&S said that Aldi’s gin “constitute designs which do not produce on the informed user a different overall impression to the M&S designs”, with an “informed user” being defined as a “member of the general public who is interested in purchasing liqueur during the Christmas period”
‘The Infusionist’ gins are available in clementine and blackberry flavours, and work out at £6 cheaper than the M&S Light-Up Gins – which come in identical bell-shaped bottles that are illuminated from below, with edible gold flakes floating in the liquid.
Image: M&S
M&S is seeking an injunction to restrain the discount retailer from infringing its designs, and is requiring it to surrender or destroy its stock, and pay damages plus costs.
Aldi has already rejected requests to stop selling the products.
The documents submitted by M&S said that Aldi’s gin “constitute designs which do not produce on the informed user a different overall impression to the M&S designs”, with an “informed user” being defined as a “member of the general public who is interested in purchasing liqueur during the Christmas period”
Speaking on the launching of the legal action, a spokesperson for M&S said that the retailer knew “the true value and cost of innovation”, adding that: “We will always seek to protect our reputation for freshness, quality, innovation and value and protect our customers from obvious copies.”
Aldi is yet to release a public statement on the situation, and industry professionals have said it is not yet clear which way the High Court will decide.
Featured Image – M&S
News
Leeds comedy club to celebrate first birthday with world-class lineup including Joe Lycett and Russell Kane
The Glee Club is celebrating its first year in Leeds with a spectacular birthday celebration featuring internationally renowned comedians.
We hope you're ready to laugh your socks off Leeds.
Since opening its doors in March 2025, The Glee Club has made a name for itself as the city's best destination for a hilarious night out.
Welcoming huge crowds every weekend, it's now a must-visit venue if you're looking for a good laugh and an unforgettable night.
To celebrate their first birthday, they are pulling out all the stops and welcoming a lineup of world-class comedians to the stage.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Kicking off on Monday 23 March, guests include the much loved comedian and TV presenter, Joe Lycett; German-American comedian, Mario Adrion; acclaimed stand-up Russell Kane; rising star and award-winning comedian, Michael Odewale; Birmingham’s funniest export, Lindsey Santoro; TV favourite Matt Richardson; plus London's number one original and longest running comedy clash show, World Comedy Clash.
And it doesn't stop there, as the venue will also be launching a brand-new food and drink menu to add to the ultimate Glee experience.
A spokesperson for The Glee Leeds said: "What an incredible first year it has been in Leeds. The city has embraced us with open arms and the atmosphere on our sell-out weekends has been absolutely electric.
“The birthday celebrations are just the beginning; we have a phenomenal line-up ahead and a brand-new menu to match. We are so proud of what we've built in Leeds, and we can't wait to raise a glass, and a giggle, to many more years of laughter in Leeds.”
You can see the full schedule and book your tickets here.
Inside Leeds’ newest vintage store that’s a Y2K-lover’s paradise
Clementine Hall
Yorkshire's favourite vintage retailer has just opened a permanent store in Leeds city centre.
Following the huge success of its temporary pop-up shop in Leeds Trinity, Glass Onion is back with a bang having moved into a larger, two-floor space in Leeds city centre.
They've taken over the old Levi's site on Lands Lane and wow is it a beauty.
Glass Onion’s journey began in 2005, when founder John started selling vintage clothing out of his grandma’s coal shed in Barnsley.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
They opened their first retail store in Sheffield in 2019, quickly becoming a local favourite and their commitment to quality and sustainability has earned them “Best Indie Retailer in Sheffield” and “Best Vintage Retailer in Sheffield” at the Exposed Magazine Awards for three consecutive years.
If you're a fan of Y2K fashion then you're going to absolutely love their new shop, the entire top floor is dedicated to the era complete with rails stacked with baby tees, long skirts and iconic accessories.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
There's also an incredible selection of cowboy boots which we've got our eye on.
Downstairs you'll find a huge selection of big-name brands like The North Face, Nike, Levi’s, Adidas, and Harley Davidson, along with an exclusive Rare Archive section - home to some of Glass Onion’s rarest vintage finds.
There's loads of changing rooms so you'll never find yourself queueing, and the prices won't break the bank.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Opening tomorrow Wednesday 18 March at 12pm, Glass Onion are offering free VIP tickets where shoppers will be treated to first entry as well as freebies and vouchers from Leeds indies and entry into a competition to win a £100 Glass Onion voucher to spend on the launch day.
Georgina Pellant -
17th December 2021 
