Coca-Cola poised to challenge Starbucks

By Staff Writer

The Coca-Cola Company may be about to challenge Starbucks Corporation in a bid to encroach upon the hot beverage firm's dominance of the RTD coffee market, according to a report by the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

A review of Coca-Cola's recent patent and trademark applications reveals it has been quietly investigating ways to brew coffee, espresso and teas quickly in individual servings. The company reportedly filed five US patent applications in 2005 for coffee and tea 'pod' designs, single-serving brewing machines, and a system to steam milk to make hot espresso and cappuccino.

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