Ben & Jerry's lawsuit against Unilever partially dismissed by federal judge

A U.S. federal judge has dismissed the majority of a lawsuit filed by Ben & Jerry’s against its former parent company, Unilever. U.S. District Judge Kevin Castel dismissed seven of the ten claims in the complaint, which primarily focused on allegations that Unilever attempted to silence the ice cream maker’s social activism and dismantle its independent board.

The legal dispute originated from the 2000 merger agreement, which granted Ben & Jerry’s unique governance rights to pursue its social mission. Tensions escalated in 2021 following the brand's decision to stop sales in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Ben & Jerry’s alleged that Unilever breached its agreement by restricting political speech regarding the war in Gaza and attempts to criticize U.S. President Donald Trump.

While most claims were dismissed, two counts regarding alleged missed payments by Unilever related to a 2002 settlement over trademark rights in Israel will proceed. Additionally, the ruling designates Magnum Ice Cream Company, the Amsterdam-based owner of Ben & Jerry’s since its separation from Unilever last year, as the primary defendant in the remaining litigation.