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Starbucks is opposing Indian entrepreneur Shahnaz Husain's plans to start a chain of coffee shops called Starstrucks.
The US coffee shop chain has told India's Controller-General of Patents, Designs and Trademark that the name is deceptively similar to its own name, Mint business paper reported.
Husain, a herbal beauty specialist who has a skincare and haircare range and salons named after her, is determined to keep the name.
"Why should I give it up? Hundreds of others are deceptively similar. What to do? They have opposed and we will fight," said Husain, called the Herbal Queen.
Husain plans to open 25 stores in a year. The shops will have a glamour theme, with posters of movie stars.
"My concept's totally different."
Starbucks, the latest in a line of foreign companies facing branding challenges in India, is reported to be awaiting permission from the Indian Government to open its coffee shops in a joint venture with an Indonesian franchisee and Pantaloon Retail India founder Kishore Biyani.
The Government has sought clarification from Starbucks on its joint venture arrangement.
- REUTERS
