'Dumb Starbucks' gives out free coffee in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 10 (UPI) -- A Los Angeles cafe branded "Dumb Starbucks" said it is skirting trademark infringement by parodying the chain.

The cafe, which opened last week with a near-identical version of the Starbucks logo, has an FAQ on display explaining that it is not violating the coffee giant's trademarks because adding the word "dumb" makes it a parody and therefore a protected form of free speech, CBSLA.com reported Monday.

The Dumb Starbucks location is distributing free "dumb" iced coffees and lattes with a decor similar to Starbucks, right down to CDs on display labeled "Dumb Jazz Standards," the Los Angeles Times reported.

Starbucks spokeswoman Megan Adams said the company is aware of the Dumb Starbucks location and is investigating. She did not say whether the store would pursue legal action.