Godiva $15 Million Ad Deal Helps Lawyers, Not Class, Court Told

A $15 million Godiva Chocolate false-ad settlement that would resolve allegations of deception about the candy’s origin is no “sweet deal for class members” because it disproportionately benefits their attorneys, an objector told a federal court in New York.

Steve Hesse and Adam Buxbaum allege that they and others paid a premium for Godiva Chocolatier Inc.'s products because the marketing phrase “Belgium 1926" made them believe Pennsylvania-made confections were produced in Belgium, known for fine chocolate.

The deal, which was preliminarily approved last October, makes $15 million available on a claims-made basis. Class members with proof of purchase may recover ...