Options International has paid a fine of Rs. 6 million into the national treasury after the Supreme Court of Pakistan dismissed its appeal. This penalty was levied under Section 40(8) of the Competition Act 2010.
This Supreme Court ruling concludes a significant legal battle initiated by a formal complaint from Starbucks. The complaint prompted an investigation and subsequent enforcement action by the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP).
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In June 2024, the Competition Appellate Tribunal (CAT) rejected an appeal from Options International, a Lahore-based restaurant. The tribunal not only increased the original penalty from Rs.5 million to Rs.6 million but also prohibited the restaurant from unlawfully using the Starbucks brand name and logo.
Options International then appealed the CAT’s decision to the Supreme Court, which was also dismissed. The Supreme Court found that Options International engaged in deceptive marketing by selling its products under the Starbucks brand and using its logo.
