Someone opens a Starbucks in Los Angeles. A "DUMB" Starbucks Coffee. Here's the line to get in. It has a Twitter account (@dumbstarbucks). And a menu with every dumb coffee. The size of cups. And their coffee tastes okay. They also serve food. And Dumb CDs. Surprisingly the baristas don't look dumb. Lastly their FAQ. They should have changed it to "Frequently Asked Dumb Questions".
Is this a Starbucks?
No Dumb Starbucks is not affiliated in any way with Starbucks Corporation. We are simply using then name and logo for marketing purposes.
How Is that legal?
Short answer - parody law. Can you elaborate?
Of course By adding the word “dumb”, we are technically "making fun" of Starbucks, which allows us to use their trademarks under a law known as fair use. Fair use is a doctrine that permits use of copyrighted material in a parodical work without permission from the rights. Holder. It's the same law that allows Weird Al Yankovic to use the music from Michael Jackson’s “Beat it” in his parody song “Eat it”.
So is this a real business?
Yes it is. Although we are a fully functioning coffee shop, for legal reasons Dumb Starbucks needs to be categorized as a work of parody art. So in the eyes of the law, our “coffee shop” Is actually an art gallery and the “coffee” you’re buying is considered the art. But that’s for our lawyers to worry about. All you need to do is enjoy our delicious coffee! Are you saying Starbucks Is dumb?
Not at an in fact we love Starbucks and look up to them as role models. Unfortunately, the only way to use their intellectual property under fair use we are making fun of them. So the “dumb” comes out of necessity, not enmity.
Okay. I think I understand now.
Great. Anything else?
I guess not.
Okay thanks. See you later!
For any other question’s, please contact us at DumbStarbucks@gmail.com