I’m generally a fan of Starbucks. They have overpriced coffee and it’s not my favorite, but it is convenient and they have built a fantastic business operation that I admire in many ways.
But this is just silly. According to Consumerist, Starbucks is suing a Michigan coffee shop called Conga for trademark infringement, and it’s all about the green circle. Conga has reportedly been using their logo for 11 years, but Starbucks just decided that it’s confusing and infringing.
Now I’m sorry, but that green circle Starbucks uses as part of its logo is pretty generic. The real part of their logo that is distinctive is the woman in the center. Conga hasn’t even copied anything about the logo – not the font, not the stars, not the image in the center.
But somehow the suits at Starbucks are convinced that people visiting Conga in Michigan might be confused and might think they’re walking into a Starbucks. Give me a break!
Compare the logos:
Sorry. I’m all in favor of protecting corporate intellectual property and identities and such, but Starbucks has this one all wrong. I sure hope that when they realize it, they’re kind enough to pay the legal fees of Conga for such a silly claim.
This is corporate bullying at it’s finest: almost, but not quite as egregious as Monster Cable’s suits against companies named “Monster” who weren’t even in the CE business.
FWIW, I think Starbucks tastes like burned drek. I’ve only ever drunk their stuff if there isn’t a Second Cup or decent coffee shop in the vicinity.
Truth be told, Lee, it’s not my first choice either. But it will do in a pinch!
You bet, Tracy! I’m a coffee addict. I am powerless over caffeine. While I enjoy snooty frufru blends and expensive roasts, I will happily guzzle no-name and Costco brand coffee to get my fix. Starbucks is my second-last choice, but still ahead of Tim Horton’s, which is to coffee what road tar is to chewing gum.
My favorite coffee used to be McDonald’s, believe it or not. And then they changed to this “premium roast” and it was ruined! So my current favorite is Einstein Bros. vanilla hazelnut. My day is not complete without it. And don’t bother trying to brew it at home. It’s not the same. 🙂
[…] Coenen presents Starbucks Thinks They Own the Green Circle posted at […]
Tracey,
I have to say that Starbucks isn’t my favorite either…I enjoy Dunkin Donuts the best. However for everyday, I drink Folgers. It is surprising to me that Starbucks is making a big deal over this but I guess they have the money to go after another coffee shop. They should just leave them alone-they aren’t bothering anyone. It makes me think, is Starbucks worried about this for a reason?
I agree with a strategy to vigorously protect intellectual property when it is really being violated. This just doesn’t seem like one of those cases. I wonder what the corporate strategy is too.
I think, starbucks Is great I’m not too much on coffee so I don’t really care but there shaken pasion fruit lemonade ice teas are great 😉