Sbux vs. Cartoonist
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.
January 23rd, 2009 at 7:02 pm
Hmm interesting. At first I wasn’t sure where I fell on the situation…free speech vs. intellectual property? I guess its ok, I eman he is not making money directly off their image, and it is satirical in nature, which is the one exception to the rule. But I could see why Starbucks is upset. LOL.