Starbucks Accuses Chain Of Copying Logo

VANCOUVER, B.C.

Starbucks Coffee Co. has filed a lawsuit here, alleging that customers are confused by the similarity of Second Cup stores to Starbucks.

The Second Cup stores recently adopted logo design, product packaging, menu boards, in-store photographs and coffee-shop decor that look similar to Starbucks' designs.

Starbucks alleges that as a result, customers may mistake The Second Cup coffee shops for Starbucks' own and that The Second Cup Co. has modified some of its stores in the past few months, adding to the confusion. It has more than 175 stores in retail locations in Canada, while Starbucks has more than 150 stores in North America.

"Over the years we have made a huge investment in building an identity for our company," said Lawrence Maltz, Starbucks senior vice president. "We welcome competition from retailers who establish their own identity. However, Starbucks will call on the courts to stop competition which confuses customers."