This is one way to respond to a lawyer’s letter from Starbucks, and we’re sure the coffee chain is none too happy with the way they look now that the story has gained press attention:
A billion-dollar company crushed the little guy out of six dollars.
That’s how much Missouri pub owner Jeff Briton sent the Starbucks company after it alleged he was violating its trademark.
Briton, who owns the Exit 6 Pub and Brewery in Cottleville, Mo., posted a letter he received from the corporation on his business’ Facebook page.
In the letter, Starbucks claimed the pub was selling a beer called “Frappicino,” which three customers referenced on the website Untappd. Starbucks said it was phonetically identical to its trademarked drink Frappuccino and told them to cease its sale immediately. The company said the similar name would likely cause confusion, mistake or deception among people who theoretically would mistake coffee and beer. Or the Exit 6 Pub with a Starbucks.
In his reply to Starbucks’ attorney, Briton referred to the would-be plaintiff as “Mr. Bucks”, the beverage name as “The F Word” (to avoid further openings to litigation), and included a check for a whopping six bucks:
(Click for full-size version of the reply)
D.B. Hirsch is a political activist, news junkie, and retired ad copy writer and spin doctor. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.
