Rebel Ice Cream Files for Bankruptcy After Van Leeuwen Wins Packaging Suit

In the yearslong feud, supermarket freezer shelves were the initial front. Then, federal court.

On one side: Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, the Brooklyn-based artisanal scoop shop chain and grocery store staple. On the other: Rebel Creamery, the Utah company known for its keto-friendly, low carb ice cream.

Both feature pastel-colored pint containers with a brand name in script lettering. Their flavors — including mint chocolate chip, cookies and cream and pistachio — are printed in what appear to be similar typefaces.

The resemblance was so striking to Van Leeuwen that it accused Rebel in a lawsuit in 2021 of copying its distinctive packaging, winning a $24 million judgment in July against its rival in the Eastern District of New York.

Now, less than a month later, Rebel has filed for bankruptcy protection in Utah, casting uncertainty over the resolution of that judgment, which also bars the company from continuing to use its current packaging.

Article source: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/19/business/rebel-ice-cream-bankruptcy-van-leeuwen-lawsuit.html