Starbucks has registered both its name and its mermaid logo as trademarks for a wide range of products. A New York-based business, StarBuds Flowers, began selling marijuana from a van, using a logo featuring a mermaid holding a joint. A legal dispute soon followed.
The names STARBUCKS and STARBUDS clearly resemble each other. By using a similar logo, it’s evident that StarBuds was trying to capitalise on Starbucks’ reputation. The image of a mermaid smoking a joint isn’t likely to help the coffee chain’s image either. Even though the products differ, a ban is expected. This case is a good example of the additional protection a logo can offer.
