Slog - Comments on Starbucks Backs Off, Leaving Rat City Rollergirls Logo Intact

Comment by Carollani

Carollani — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:07:43 -0800

While the similarities are apparent when the logos are side by side, you would never mistake one for the other or even make the association on your own. At least I wouldn't/haven't. I'm glad this is over with, it was dumb and made me hate Starbucks a little bit (more).

Comment by Andrew

Andrew — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:24:37 -0800

Unfortunately, trademarks aren't like copyrights or patents; if you don't defend your trademark, you can loose it. Aspirin is the best example.

Comment by Dougsf

Dougsf — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:35:33 -0800

The elements those two logos have in common are basic logo-boilerplate design that's been in use since probably the 19th century, if not longer.

As for the RCR. The illustration works really well, but I'd personally do something else for the font.

Comment by NapoleonXIV

NapoleonXIV — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:51:30 -0800

This is certainly a black eye for the Starbucks mermaid.

Comment by kirby

kirby — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:54:55 -0800

My question would be why would the designer of the RCR logo create such an unimaginative rip-off of the nasty ol' Starbucks logo? The notion that it is a coincidence that the logos look alike is nonsense. The "designer" of the RCR logo did what any young high school designer would do -- steal!

Comment by kirby

kirby — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 15:55:57 -0800

Comment by Dougsf

Dougsf — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:12:52 -0800

#8 - It doesn't end in high school. If you don't recognize a new design, it's probably because the designer had a great source for it.

Comment by Dougsf

Dougsf — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:29:07 -0800

Shit, I meant #5.

Comment by elenchos

elenchos — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:49:35 -0800

Hey, Jonah. Elenchos here. How come you never retracted your stories making this Starbucks/Rat City Rollergirls thing into a big dramatic fight? Shouldn't you have run a correction admitting that there was never any real animosity other than in your ambitious reporter's imagination?

Especially when the Stranger claimed they scooped the dailies with their flawed reporting. Is a scoop still a scoop when you get the story wrong?

Comment by bookworm

bookworm — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 16:57:25 -0800

Great! Now Starbucks can get back to its primary mission of tanking like the rest of the economy...

Comment by flamingbanjo

flamingbanjo — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:05:02 -0800

So Starbucks doesn't own the trademark on letters printed in a circle?

Comment by Simon

Simon — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 17:25:56 -0800

They should've just duked it out on the roller rink.

Comment by Mahtli69 in Taiwan

Mahtli69 in Taiwan — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 21:35:17 -0800

I'm in Taiwan this week, and came across Barista Coffee. I'm not sure how the Rollergirls' logo got on Starbucks radar, but this one did not.

Comment by Sarterus

Sarterus — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 12:56:10 -0800

Great to see that Starbucks back off on this one. Challenging the Rat City RollerGirls' Trademark registration would have done more damage then then good to Starbucks reputation.

Now if the girls were selling coffee I might feel differently.

Comment by Charlotte

Charlotte — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 09:19:06 -0800

it was ridiculous- its a circle with a few stars; and its not even the same colour. Starbucks is not as important as it thinks it is.

Comment by DirtyGirlDiva

DirtyGirlDiva — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 12:02:59 -0800

I still love Starbucks....*ducks to avoid the flying elbows*