Lahore-Based Cafe Pays Rs. 6 Million Fine for Copying Starbucks Logo

Following the Supreme Court of Pakistan dismissed its appeal, Options International deposited the Rs. 6 million penalty under Section 40(8) of the Competition Act 2010 into national treasury. This Supreme Court decision marks the end of a comprehensive legal battle that began with a formal complaint from Starbucks leading to an investigation and enforcement action by the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP). In June 2024, the Competition Appellate Tribunal (CAT) dismissed appeal of Lahore-based restaurant, Options International, increasing the primary penalty from Rs. 5 million to Rs. 6 million and prohibiting the company from illegally using the Starbucks brand name and logo. Options International filed an appeal in the Supreme Court of Pakistan against the CAT’s order, which the court dismissed. The Supreme Court ruled that “Options International,” put itself forward by selling its products under the international brand name Starbucks and by using its logo, which amounts to deceptive marketing.