Lip Service Lawsuit: Balmuccino Sues Starbucks for Coffee-Flavored Cosmetic Concept Theft

Balmuccino has filed a lawsuit against Starbucks, accusing the coffee giant of stealing its idea for coffee-flavored lipstick and gloss. The lawsuit was filed in Manhattan federal court following two previous dismissals. Balmuccino seeks compensatory and punitive damages for the alleged theft of their concept.

In a new legal twist, Balmuccino has sued Starbucks for allegedly stealing its innovative idea for coffee-flavored lipstick and lip gloss. This latest lawsuit, filed on Friday in Manhattan federal court, follows the dismissal of two earlier versions on procedural grounds.

Balmuccino, a Los Angeles-based company with ties to TV personality Dr. Mehmet Oz, claims it presented its coffee-flavored lip balm prototypes to Starbucks during an October 2018 meeting in New York. The meeting was reportedly brokered by Dr. Oz, who contacted Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz about a potential joint venture.

According to the complaint, Starbucks launched its "S'mores Frappuccino Sip Kit" in April 2019, featuring lipstick and gloss in various shades, without compensating Balmuccino. The company is now seeking unspecified compensatory and punitive damages. Starbucks has yet to comment on the lawsuit.

(With inputs from agencies.)