Federal Court Finds That Starbucks Prominently Featured in Zoolander (And More)

We here at Abnormal Use love coffee. Not just commenting upon the products liability implications of it, but drinking it, as well. Well, we couldn’t resist sharing these findings of fact from a recent federal trademark case in California, that being Starbucks Corp. v. Heller, No. CV 14–01383 (C.D. Cal. Nov. 26, 2014). Behold, as there is now federal authority on the following:

4. Starbucks is a leading purveyor of fine Arabica coffee. The company, which began in 1971 as a single, Seattle-based dry goods store, has grown to approximately 12,000 retail locations in the United States, and more than 8,000 retail locations in over 60 foreign countries.

5. Starbucks owes its worldwide success to its strong reputation for fresh-roasted specialty coffees, brewed coffees, espresso beverages and other products and services it provides. Starbucks is also widely recognized for its knowledgeable staff and superior service.

11. The Starbucks Facebook page has more than 37 million likes and more than 20 million visits. The Starbucks Twitter account has more than 6 million followers. Both platforms prominently feature the Starbucks Marks.

 

12. Numerous television programs and movies have prominently featured the Starbucks Marks, including Parks & Rec, The Voice, Ellen, Real Time, The Devil Wears Prada, Zoolander, License to Wed, The Proposal, Clueless, 127 Hours, and You’ve Got Mail.

(footnotes and citations omitted).

Accordingly, if you need a citation for the proposition that Starbucks was prominently featured in Zoolander, this is your case.

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