Legal Question in Entertainment Law in Illinois

Copyrights with an internet television program and Starbucks

Dear All,

Hi there. I am in the early stages of putting together a show about a corporate coffee shop (that is not Starbucks but definitely uses some elements of it that I have gleaned from working as a barista for two years). There will be some elements of parody (silly twists on names they have for things, Almond Delight instead of the actual Maple Macchiato), satire (pointing out ridiculous things customers, managers, and employees do on a day to day basis) but otherwise consisting of characters dealing with the reality of working in such a place.

I do not plan on mentioning Starbucks or any of their trademarked terms (Venti, Cafe Estima, Frappuccino) but I do plan on putting some things into a negative light. This show will be available for public viewing on the internet and later collected together as a DVD.

I understand there may be risks involved with this project, but I would just like to know what I can best do to protect myself from being sued for any reasons that this show might incur. Thank you very much.


Asked on 1/07/08, 5:53 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
David K. Staub Staub Anderson LLC

Re: Copyrights with an internet television program and Starbucks

First, parody is an accepted form of criticism so as long as it doesn't rise to the level of defamation, you should be on solid ground.

Second, for an extra precaution, you should include a disclaimer that the work is fictional and that any resemblance to a living person is unintentional.

Without seeing the script and footage, it is impossible to give you specific tips. If you are concerned that something you are doing is possibly crossing the line, you should show the specific language or scene to an attorney.

Good luck!

David K. Staub, an Illinois attorney

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Answered on 1/08/08, 1:45 pm


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