Ethiopia, Starbucks agreement said key to enhance negotiations with other coffee roasting companies

(June 25, 2007)

The agreement signed between Ethiopia and Starbucks, a giant coffee company in USA, will contribute a lot in strengthening the on-going negotiations and cooperation between Ethiopia and 100 coffee roasting companies in Europe and Asia, Ethiopian Intellectual Property Office (EIPO) said.

EIPO representative, Wondwoson Belete said that the agreement would further enhance the effort launched to secure patent right for the ‘Limu’ and the ‘Nekemet’ Coffees.

Some 15 international coffee companies, Starbucks included, have so far singed trademark agreement with Ethiopia.

Ethiopia and Starbucks signed coffee trade licensing agreement on 20 June 2007 in Washington, USA.

The agreement provides a framework for mutual cooperation to promote the recognition of the Harar, Sidamo and Yirgachefe designations and to strengthen the coffee sector in Ethiopia, and licensing of certain trademarks.

“Our customers know that some of the highest quality coffees in the world come from Ethiopia” said Howard Schultz, Starbucks chairman.

EIPO Director General, Getachew Mengiste on his part said, “Having the commitment and support of Starbucks will help to enhance the quality of Ethiopian fine coffees and to improve the income of farmers and traders”. (ENDS)