The Legal Battle with Starbucks®

For some reason, the corporate lawyers at Starbucks® can't tell the difference between their company's name and ours. And they seem to feel that the public is too stupid to be able to differentiate between our store and theirs. Personally, we think you are all smarter than that, and won't have any trouble telling the difference. (If you need help figuring it out, click here.)

Because they think you can't tell us apart, they sent us a threatening letter telling us to "cease and desist" using our own name. This, according to their claims in the media, is what they call trying to settle this dispute "informally and amicably." Uh...yeah. Their version of informal and amicable certainly doesn't match ours. Now we've been told to expect formal notice of litigation.

While we certainly understand the concept of trademark protection, this is going too far. There are many companies and products that include the word "buck" in their name. But they aren't attacking Sears & Roebuck's. Several people have theorized that larger companies attack small companies first in order to build "case law" to support their later battles against larger companies. The reasoning behind this theory is that the smaller companies cant' afford to defend themselves and give up.

Well, if it weren't for the help of some good people here and in the US, it may have turned out that way. But we're extremely fortunate that Joseph Arvay, QC, one of the most prominent lawyers in Canada, has agreed to take our case. We are currently raising funds to pay for other expenses in this fight. In addition to legal fees, there are other financial needs, as well, including court costs, research fees and more. Again, we've been fortunate. As soon as our story hit the papers and airwaves, people began calling to offer help. This web site was written, built and paid for by a stranger we'd never met until this happened. Others have offered their expertise, as well. And we're hoping you will help by sending us a donation to cover other expenses.

This is all we know at this point. We haven't received the formal litigation notice as yet. As new information develops, we will update the Latest News page to keep you informed. We thank you, as does our community, for supporting us in our time of need. With your help, we will survive this. And we'll be able to keep our name.