A New Hampshire maker of a coffee blend it calls "Charbucks" has prevailed in a trademark infringement case brought by Starbucks.
Black Bear Micro Roastery in Tuftonboro was sued by Starbucks in 2001 in federal district court in New York. Starbucks alleged that Black Bear's use of the name "Charbucks" infringed, blurred and tarnished its famous trademarks.
Starbucks appealed to the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals after Black Bear prevailed in district court. The appeals court agreed with the district court in a decision Friday.
Zack Hutson, a spokesman for Seattle-based Starbucks, says the company respects but disagrees with the court's decision.
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He says Starbucks is a responsible trademark owner and was asking only for an injunction against the use of "Charbucks."
Copyright AP - Associated Press
