How an outside idea reaches a company, in its own words · checked 2026-10-29
How to sell an idea to Starbucks
No stated policy
Starbucks does not say whether it wants outside ideas. Its terms treat any idea sent as a voluntary, non-confidential gift and ask you not to send one you expect to be paid for. It has bought Teavana, Tazo and Evolution Fresh.
“The Ideas you submit are voluntary, non-confidential, gratuitous and non-committal.”
“Please do not send us Ideas if you expect to be paid or want to continue to own or claim rights in them; your Ideas might be great, but we may have already had the same or similar idea and we do not want disputes.”
“Starbucks shall own exclusive rights, including all intellectual property rights, to any work it creates or has created from the Idea or a similar idea of its own.”
What it has bought from outside
2012
Teavana from Teavana $620 million in cash
“In late 2012, Starbucks stated that it would pay $620 million in cash to buy the company.” en.wikipedia.org
1999
Tazo from Tazo $ 8.1 million
“The company was purchased by Starbucks in 1999 for $ 8.1 million.” en.wikipedia.org
2003
Seattle's Best Coffee from AFC Enterprises
“AFC Enterprises sold SBC to Starbucks in July 2003, retaining franchise rights in eleven countries, Hawaii and U.S. military bases.” en.wikipedia.org
2011
Evolution Fresh from Evolution Fresh
“On November 10, 2011, Evolution Fresh was acquired by Starbucks Corporation.” en.wikipedia.org
Other companies that take an invention or product idea
