A cafe in Karachi has gained global attention after winning a trademark case against international coffee chain Starbucks. The cafe, known as Sattar Buksh, became famous not only for its coffee but also for its unique branding.
Founded in 2013 by Rizwan Ahmad and Adnan Yousuf, Sattar Buksh used a round green logo with a moustached man. Many people saw this design as a playful nod to Starbucks, which uses a mermaid in its logo. The similarity sparked debate on social media, attracting both curiosity and criticism.
Despite Starbucks not operating outlets in Pakistan at that time, the company filed a case, claiming trademark violation. The local cafe, however, argued that its brand was satire and rooted in Pakistani culture, not an imitation. The founders explained that “Sattar Buksh” is a culturally meaningful name with a long history. They also highlighted differences in the design, fonts, and colour tones.
To further clarify, the cafe added disclaimers stating it had no link with Starbucks. Beyond branding, Sattar Buksh worked on building its own identity. Its menu offered a mix of local and international items, including pizzas, burgers, and shisha. Some dishes carried humorous names like the “Besharam Burger” and the “LOC Pizza,” reflecting Pakistani humour and creativity.
Under Pakistani trademark law, global brands are protected from imitation. Starbucks argued that Sattar Buksh’s branding could confuse customers and harm its identity. The local cafe countered that parody, cultural context, and its unique offerings set it apart.
The court eventually ruled in favour of Sattar Buksh, allowing it to continue operations. The decision was seen as a win for local creativity and entrepreneurship against a global corporate giant.
This ruling highlights the balance between protecting global trademarks and allowing local businesses to express creativity within cultural boundaries.
In other related news also read Lahore Café Fined Rs. 6 million for Starbucks Logo Infringement
