Starbucks Brews Lawsuit For Allegedly Copying Coffee Lipsticks
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Starbucks is back in the legal grind. Los Angeles-based company Balmuccino is taking the coffee giant to court for the third time, alleging that Starbucks lifted their idea for coffee-flavored lip products. The latest battle, unfolding in Manhattan federal court, accuses Starbucks of misappropriating trade secrets and breaching an implied non-disclosure agreement.
This isn’t Balmuccino’s first attempt to seek justice. Its initial lawsuit, filed in October 2019 in Los Angeles, met with dismissal on procedural grounds. Undeterred, it tried again in Seattle federal court, only to face a similar outcome in July 2023.
The origins of the row first brewed in 2016, when Balmuccino developed coffee-flavored lip balms. Two years later, it pitched the concept to Starbucks in a meeting arranged by television personality Dr Mehmet Oz. Balmuccino says it provided prototypes and confidential information during this encounter.
Things took a sour turn when Starbucks launched its ‘S’mores Frappuccino Sip Kit’ in April 2019, featuring coffee-flavored lipsticks and glosses in four flavors: Campfire Spark, Chocolicious Bliss, Graham Glam, and Marshmallow Glow.
Keep that s’moregeous graham glam all summer long with the exclusive S’mores Frappuccino Sip Kit. 💄 Win this and s'more in the #SmoresLifeContest. https://t.co/B3o6JYvuQ6 pic.twitter.com/MHXGUHukBc
— Starbucks (@Starbucks) April 29, 2019
Balmuccino contends that this product line bears a striking resemblance to its original concept, and it’s seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages.
Will Balmuccino receive a single bean in compensation from this years-long battle?
