Sbux vs. Cartoonist
Wednesday, January 21st, 2009
Yet another tiny artist vs. Corporation Extreme case. This time it’s Starbucks filling in for the pompous victim role. Kieron Dwyer drew a comic book using the corporate logo of Sbux as a basis for his parody concerning consumerism. Starbucks noticed and served Dwyer with the motion 3 days before the case (using a bike messenger, no less)- leaving no time for Dwyer to get a lawyer or prepare his case. Fortunately, before Dwyer published his book, he had asked a lawyer on the legal issues, and all was permitted. Starbucks had expected a quick case, but Dwyer definitely is not taking it lying down.
So far, the results are interesing. Dwyer cannot make money off his drawing as of now, however, the drawing is now treated as a political cartoon and is fully legal in the eyes of law. Now we wait for the court date for the final results.