For instance, after the Hamas-led events in Israel on October 7, Starbucks claims that the union retweeted a post showing a bulldozer allegedly tearing down a fence on the Israel-Gaza border with the message “Solidarity with Palestine.” Due to the union’s use of the Starbucks name, customers incorrectly attributed this post to Starbucks despite the company’s efforts to clarify the situation.
Starbucks has cited several pro-Palestine posts retweeted by the Iowa City Starbucks Workers United, including one promoting a protest in Chicago. These actions have resulted in hundreds of complaints from customers and the public, wrongly blaming Starbucks for supporting Hamas.
This legal dispute includes claims of trademark dilution, trademark infringement, and copyright infringement. Starbucks seeks injunctive relief to prevent further infringement, damages, attorney fees, and other remedies.
Starbucks Accuses Union of Trademark Infringement Over Pro-Palestine Tweets
Starbucks alleges that its employees have faced threats, and its stores have been vandalized as a result of the confusion created by the union’s tweets. Moreover, there have been calls for a boycott of the coffee chain.
