Business & Tech

Patch Readers Bark Back Over Starbarks, Starbucks Squabble

Starbucks, the coffee company, sent Starbarks, a dog daycare facility in Algonquin, a cease and desist letter, asking the local business to change its name, logo and website URL.

 

Starbucks, the coffee company, sent Starbarks, a dog daycare facility in Algonquin, a cease and desist letter, , local media reported last week. 

Starbarks is not happy. And has gone so far as to post a huge sign on the side of its business at 220 N. Main St. in Algonquin that reads "The coffee giant wants us to change our name and logo. Voice your opinion on Facebook..." 

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After Algonquin-Lake in the Hills Patch posted a story last week, readers began to sound off by commenting on that article as well as on the Algonquin-LITH Patch and Crystal Lake-Cary Patch Facebook pages. 

Some think Starbucks is bullying the small business. Others believe Starbarks should have known better. Others are more jovial, joking about the publicity surrounding the issue. 

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We have selected some of the comments we received and have posted them below. Thank you to all for taking the time to sound off on this topic. 

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Patch Readers Bark Back on Starbarks, Starbucks Fight

David: When I first saw this place driving by one day out of the corner of my eye, I actually thought it was a new Starbucks that opened in Algonquin. I turned around to get a cup of coffee, and was surprised that it wasn't a Starbucks at all. I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one who made this mistake.

This place needs to change their logo. Way too much resemblance to Starbucks coffee.

Larry Miglore: I'm constantly getting the two establishments confused. I find myself amongst 20 to 30 dogs and wonder where the "Baristas" are. They should be fined, closed, fire all the employees and liquidate the manager/owner.

Adam Paeth: Unfortunately I can see the reasoning behind the CND from Starbucks. I'm not sure, but I believe their logo is a trademark and I believe that in order for a company to be able to keep their trademark they must actively protect it. If they simply let it slide that could be perceived as not actively protecting it. With that said I don't think that Starbarks should have to change their name or logo. It's not like they are remotely in the same business and you're not likely to find someone who confuses the two or claims Starbarks is Starbucks. Just my 2 cents.

Eddie Afanador: This is absolutely DUMB how does this hurt or affect Starbucks as a company??

Rose40: You just can't copy a logo. Its a copyright infringement. I was wondering when Starbarks would get caught. Starbarks is making money off the recognizable logo and name of "Starbucks". Sorry. That's the law.

Sandy Wall: They are stealing from Starbucks, basically. The name and logo, colors, sign shape, all the same. Starbucks has spent a lot of money branding their product, creating their logos. It's not fair to have someone come along and steal it, borrow it, use it, whatever, no matter how big or small the company. If you can't do the work yourself, then don't start a business!

Rick Reinacher: Maybe they can copy the dunkin donuts name and logo instead.

Max: Apparently, the owner is looking into alternatives....Capudogs, Applebarks, Barkstro Wasabi, Bark n Shake, Howlihans, Doginos

Jessica Jacob: Plus now they are getting all this publicity. I wonder how many people are hearing of the doggy daycare for the first time. Its been on the news and in the paper. My guess, they knew what they were doing and I don't think it's fair. Shes already built up a clientele, and people will still use her. I'm sure if she put in the work to come up with a unique name of her own and another company tried to use something similar, she wouldn't go for it. Ethical only has one meaning, regardless of what stipulations or spins you try to put on it. Put in your own work. 

Steve Goebbert: Honestly, I am shocked they didn't just called themselves "Starbucks"

Melissa Blackwell: I commented on that a while back when I first saw this business. I was surprised they'd name their business something like that knowing that they'd get shot down at some point. I don't think anyone will confuse the two, but a name is a name and Starbucks had it first.

Filip Franciszek: I will have to disagree. Given these two are in completely different fields, Starbarks name should be a fair game (I'd say the opposite thing if this was a coffee shop). However, the logo is too much and should be changed.


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