Sattar Buksh Triumphs Over Starbucks in Epic Trademark Clash

Karachi’s quirky cafe, Sattar Buksh, has grabbed headlines after clinching a trademark victory against global coffee titan Starbucks. The local hotspot, famed for its cheeky branding—a green circular logo sporting a moustached man—sparked buzz for its playful resemblance to Starbucks’ iconic mermaid emblem.

The cafe’s name and design stirred a storm online, fueling both intrigue and debate. This eventually dragged Starbucks into a legal showdown, despite the coffee giant having no outlets in Pakistan at the time.

Launched in 2013 by entrepreneurs Rizwan Ahmad and Adnan Yousuf, Sattar Buksh stood out with its bold branding, which some saw as eerily similar to Starbucks in visuals and phonetics. But the founders insisted it was a satirical take, deeply tied to Pakistani culture, not a knock-off. They highlighted the name “Sattar Buksh” as a nod to centuries-old local traditions, with unique touches like a moustached character, distinct fonts, and a fresh color scheme. To clear any confusion, they even slapped disclaimers on their branding, stressing no link to Starbucks.

Under Pakistani trademark law, global brands are shielded from imitation that could mislead customers or weaken their identity. Starbucks argued Sattar Buksh crossed that line. The cafe hit back, defending its parody, cultural roots, and original menu as setting it apart.

In a landmark ruling, the court backed Sattar Buksh, letting the cafe keep brewing. The decision has been hailed as a bold win for local ingenuity against a corporate heavyweight.