07:45 AM PDT on Friday, June 4, 2004

Associated Press

GalvestonGALVESTON, Texas - Mediation in a trademark battle between Starbucks and a Texas bar owner who sells "Starbock" beer likely will begin soon. That's what an attorney for the bar owner said Thursday.

U-S Judge Samuel Kent ordered the parties to mediate the case.

It's been set for trial in 2005. Kent wants a report by July 30th on efforts to settle the case.

Rex Bell operates the Old Quarter Acoustic Cafe in Galveston, Texas. It holds about 60 people and he sells the beer from one of bar's taps. That's what the Galveston Daily News reports.

Bell has sold the beer for about a year.

His attorney, John Egbert, says Bell obtained U.S Trademark Office approval for his beer's name. Starbucks, the Seattle-based coffee company, says Bell is playing off Starbucks' well-known name.

Bell came up with the name after he combined Lone Star beer and Shiner Bock beer into a glass for a customer, suggesting he try a "Starbock." Egbert said Bell's beer is brewed in Texas and is the result of a "special recipe." Starbucks, the Seattle-based coffee retailer, claims Bell's beer has infringed on its brand.