By Muhammad Luqman
The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has issued a Show Cause Notice to Lahore-based Options International (SMC-Pvt.) Limited for fraudulently selling “STARBUCKS” Coffee in Pakistan.
STARBUCKS, an international chain of coffeehouses registered in the State of Washington, had sent a formal complaint to the CCP that Options Coffee and More, a Lahore-based restaurant, was fraudulently using its official trademark, “STARBUCKS Coffee.
STARBUCKS has not any outlet or franchise in Pakistan.
According to Competition Commission of Pakistan, an enquiry found that Options had displayed the STARBUCKS trademark prominently on the main signage board of its cafés, the packaging materials, mugs, menus, flyers, its website, and Facebook page.
It claimed it was offering STARBUCKS coffee made in STARBUCKS machines using the same method of production and giving customers the authentic STARBUCKS experience.
On recommendations of the inquiry report, a Show Cause Notice has been served on Options International and the company has been directed to respond in writing within fourteen days, the CCP spokesman said.
CCP is mandated under the Competition Act to ensure free competition in all spheres of commercial and economic activity, to enhance economic efficiency and to protect consumers from anti-competitive practices including deceptive marketing practices.
Starbucks Corporation is an American coffee company and coffeehouse chain. Starbucks was founded in Seattle, Washington in 1971. As of 2017, the company operates 26,696 locations worldwide.
