Ethiopian coffee on the move

Ethiopian recognized as the birthplace of coffee, has unveiled three logos for the three varieties of Ethiopian coffee beans. Ethiopia, Africa’s largest coffee producer, will trademark its most famous coffee names, Sidamo, Harar and Yigacheffe. It follows an agreement reached between Ethiopia and Starbucks in their long trademark dispute. It is the first time the country has introduced an international brand for export.

The property rights of coffee

A deal between Starbucks and Ethiopia has been described as an industry model, and it ends their trademark dispute. Ethiopia succeeded in patenting its coffee and, in the process, registered several brands, including Harar, Sidamo and Yirgacheffe. Traditionally, intellectual property rights have been used to benefit corporations. Ethiopia’s move is a step in a different direction.