Trademark tussle: Starbucks served a sip of defeat by Pakistan's 'SattarBuksh'
By emphasizing local identity and linguistic creativity, SattarBuksh sidestepped a forced shutdown
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In a frothy victory for local flair, Karachi's SattarBuksh café has triumphantly defended its name and logo against a trademark lawsuit filed by global coffee giant Starbucks.
The battle, sparked in 2013, saw ‘SattarBuksh’ cleverly argue its name wasn't a copycat but a playful blend of "Sattar" (a common Pakistani name) and "buksh" (Urdu for servant/giver) – a nod to local culture.
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Owners highlighted their name's roots in Pakistani heritage, distinct from Starbucks' branding.
SattarBuksh smartly tweaked their visuals, strengthening their defense.
By emphasizing local identity and linguistic creativity, SattarBuksh sidestepped a forced shutdown.
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The outcome spotlights how cultural context and witty naming can shield a brand from corporate challenges.
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