Ice cream news
Archived — this story has rotated out of today’s deck. It is kept here in full.
The gist
Rebel Creamery filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after a judge ordered it to pay $23.8 million to Van Leeuwen. The ruling bars Rebel from using its current packaging, threatening its.
Background
Rebel Creamery, a Utah-based maker of keto-friendly ice cream sold at Walmart, Target, and Kroger, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on August 14, 2026. This follows a July 16, 2026 court ruling that Rebel owed Van Leeuwen Ice Cream about $23.785 million for infringing on its packaging trade dress. Rebel has appealed the decision, but the bankruptcy filing casts uncertainty on the judgment and its ability to continue operations.
How it unfolded
- 2021Van Leeuwen sued Rebel, claiming its packaging copied Van Leeuwen's distinctive style, causing consumer confusion.
- Jul 16, 2026Judge Eric Komitee ruled in favor of Van Leeuwen, ordering Rebel to pay about $23.785 million in disgorged profits and barring Rebel from using its current packaging.
- Aug 12, 2026Rebel filed a notice of appeal with the U.S. Court of Appeals.
- Aug 14, 2026Rebel filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Utah, reporting $13.78 million in assets and $23.85 million in liabilities.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Judge Komitee ruled that Van Leeuwen is entitled to $23.785 million of Rebel's profits from selling infringing ice cream pints.
- Rebel
- Rebel filed for bankruptcy to restructure and is appealing the judgment, but did not respond to requests for comment.
Still unverified
The exact impact of the bankruptcy on Rebel's retail availability and the outcome of its appeal are unconfirmed.