Starbucks Corp., Galveston beer maker battle over trademark

Associated Press

GALVESTON, Texas - Mediation in the trademark battle between Starbucks Corp. and a Galveston bar owner who sells "Starbock" beer likely will begin soon, an attorney for the bar owner said Thursday.

U.S. Judge Samuel Kent ordered the parties to mediate the case and set it for trial in 2005. Kent wants a report by July 30 on efforts to settle the case.

"That is the next step in the long process of getting through this agonizing ordeal," said John Egbert, the Houston attorney who represents bar owner, Rex Bell.

Bell operates the Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe, which holds about 60 people. He sells the beer from one of bar's taps.

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