Mondelēz sues Joyride Sweets over Sour Patch Kids copycat

Mondelēz International has filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Texas-based candy company Joyride Sweets. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division on Monday, alleges Joyride's 'Sour Smacks' gummies and packaging intentionally mimic Sour Patch Kids to trick shoppers. The West Loop-based snack giant claims the lookalike products are often sold side-by-side with its own at major retailers, leveraging consumer confusion.

Joyride launched its redesigned Sour Smacks product in April 2025. The product features brightly colored, chewy candies shaped like grinning people inside yellow-and-green packaging. Mondelēz contends the packaging and humanoid-shaped mascot are nearly identical to its own. The lawsuit states Joyride intentionally built its business by copying others. Mondelēz is seeking a permanent injunction to stop the sale of Sour Smacks and monetary damages for its financial losses.

The company had repeatedly notified Joyride of the alleged intellectual property violations, but Joyride refused to cease. In a securities filing the following month, Joyride disclosed it had raised $30 million in private equity funding, valuing the company at about $100 million.

Joyride's rebranding and influencer-driven growth

Joyride was founded in 2008 as Project 7 and rebranded in 2022. It has leveraged viral social media traction to expand. A key part of this strategy is YouTube personality Ryan Trahan, who serves as Chief Creative Officer and co-owner. Trahan, 28, has more than 24 million subscribers. The company claimed its social media posts went viral, gaining over 300,000 followers and prompting comments from other major retail brands. Its products are now sold at Target, Walmart, and online. In January 2025, Joyride announced a social media campaign aimed to usurp and surpass the popularity of Sour Patch Kids.

Industry context on packaging and brand protection

This legal action reflects a broader food trend of companies increasingly suing competitors over packaging similarities. Packaging heavily influences purchase decisions. A 2020 Shorr Packaging study found seven out of ten individuals consider packaging important. An earlier 2018 Ipsos study revealed 72% of consumers said packaging design often influences their choices.

Other recent cases highlight this industry scrutiny. J.M. Smucker sued Trader Joe’s in 2025 over crustless PB&J sandwiches allegedly copying its Uncrustables. Separately, Mondelēz demanded Aldi change packaging for private label snacks due to similarities with its Oreo and Chips Ahoy! Brands, among others. The lawsuit against Joyride shows the growing legal risks for brands that use similar packaging to exploit consumer trust in a crowded market.

Mondelēz is seeking permanent injunctive relief to stop the selling of Sour Smacks and monetary damages for financial losses.