Skittles controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2026
Wrigley sues Terphogz over Skittles marks
Lawsuit filed
Wrigley sued Terphogz, the maker of THC-infused candy Zkittlez, alleging trademark infringement involving Wrigley's "Taste the Rainbow" slogan and the Skittles "S" logo. The article also reports related claims, including false designation of origin, unfair competition, trademark dilution and cybersquatting. It does not report a court determination.
Wrigley sued Terphogz, maker of THC-infused candy Zkittlez, alleging trademark infringement involving Wrigley's “Taste the Rainbow” slogan and Skittles “S” logo. The article also reports related claims including false designation of origin, unfair competition, trademark dilution and cybersquatting; it does not report a court determination.
Source excerpt
Candy manufacturer Wrigley is suing Terphogz, maker of THC-infused candy Zkittlez, for trademark infringement.
In a lawsuit seen by MARKETING-INTERACTIVE, Wrigley alleged that Terphogz had "simply helped itself" to Wrigley's federally registered "Taste the Rainbow" slogan and even copied its "S" logo found on its Skittles candy.
2022
Titanium dioxide class-action lawsuit
A proposed California class-action lawsuit challenged the continued use of titanium dioxide as a coloring agent in Skittles. The lawsuit was voluntarily dismissed without prejudice in November 2022.
2021
Mars Wrigley files lawsuits over alleged cannabis-product trademark infringement
Lawsuit filed
Mars Wrigley filed lawsuits in the United States and Canada alleging that sellers of cannabis products used its candy brands and trademarks without authorization. The suits seek injunctions, and one seeks $2 million for each counterfeit trademark tied to the California case.
Source excerpt
A lawsuit filed Monday in federal court in Chicago names a California company called Terphogz, which has allegedly used the name “Zkittlez” to sell cannabis and CBD flower, as well as clothing and drug paraphernalia.
In response, Skittles’ parent company, Mars Wrigley, pushed back this week in a series of lawsuits — including one filed in federal court in Chicago — alleging the companies selling those pot products and others are infringing on its trademarks.
Both federal lawsuits seek injunctions against the defendants and look to shut down their web presence. Mars Wrigley is seeking $2 million for each counterfeit trademark tied to the California suit, as well as attorneys’ fees and costs in both cases.
2016
Criticism of the colorless Pride campaign
The white Pride edition prompted criticism from people who argued that eliminating the rainbow could fail to acknowledge the diversity associated with LGBTQ+ communities. The campaign was also defended as an effort to give the rainbow visual symbol to Pride.
2012
Skittles becomes a symbol in the Trayvon Martin protests
Because Trayvon Martin was reported to have been carrying Skittles when he was killed, the candy became a symbol used at rallies and in public discussion. Mars issued condolences, but some commentators criticized the statement as too subdued.