Colgate-Palmolive and GSK settle lawsuit over 'nurdle,' the wave-like shape of toothpaste that sits on top of the toothbrush head, the word 'triple' used in advertisements

Michelle Rivera

LOS ANGELES , November 8, 2011 (Industry Intelligence Inc.) – Colgate-Palmolive Co. and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) plc have come to a confidential settlement over the right to use a nurdle, the wave-like shape of toothpaste that sits on top of the toothbrush head used in advertisements, Reuters reported Nov. 7.

The two companies sued each other back in July 2010 in U.S. District Court in Manhattan.

Colgate was fighting to keep the words “Triple Action” on its packaging, which it says stands for cavity protection, fresh breath and whiter teeth, symbolized by a blue, white and green nurdle.

GSK, which manufacturers Aquafresh toothpaste, includes the “Triple Protection” phrase on its packaging, represented by a red, white and blue nurdle, Reuters reported.

The primary source of this article is Reuters located in London, England, on Nov. 7, 2011.

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