Inspired by her partner’s passion for ethical sourcing, Ms. J founded her business in July 2024 to promote fair practices for independent coffee farmers in South America. An animal welfare advocate, she had built the business around giving back, donating a portion of proceeds to animal rescue organizations. But now the letter, alleging that her business name infringed on an existing trademark and demanding a response on a tight deadline, put everything she had built on the line.

Facing a complex legal challenge, Ms. J turned to Kirkland for help. Our attorneys regularly support entrepreneurs and small business owners through the Firm’s pro bono practice, helping clients navigate legal challenges that threaten their ability to operate and grow.

To help ensure Ms. J received the support she needed, Kirkland partnered with Bet Tzedek Legal Services, a nonprofit legal aid organization whose Small Business Development Project provides free legal education and services to low- and moderate-income small business owners and entrepreneurs. The program focuses on strengthening economic stability within underserved communities, supporting women, disabled individuals, veterans, immigrants, limited English speakers, LGBTQ+ individuals and BIPOC business owners.

Working alongside Bet Tzedek, Kirkland partners Amy Abeloff, Shanti Sadtler Conway, John Lynn and Austin Glassman helped Ms. J respond to the cease-and-desist letter and navigate the trademark dispute.

“For Ms. J’s case in particular, I became involved to help settle a matter that would simply allow her to keep doing her amazing work: roasting coffee beans, selling them and giving all donations to animal shelters across the country,” Los Angeles-based partner Amy Abeloff said about the matter. “Ms. J and I personally connected because we are both Pennsylvania natives who now live in Los Angeles, and some of the proceeds of her coffee sales benefit animal shelters and organizations near my hometown.”

The matter also provided an opportunity for Kirkland to collaborate with and strengthen its connection with Bet Tzedek.

“This project was a wonderful reflection of the power and impact of pro bono and Kirkland’s commitment to supporting access to justice,” Diego Cartagena, President and CEO of Bet Tzedek said. “To have attorneys from across the country supporting our client’s entrepreneurial dreams and supporting communities across the globe was really special.”

Thanks to Kirkland’s and Bet Tzedek’s efforts, Ms. J’s matter was successfully resolved, allowing her to continue operating the business she worked so hard to build. Today, her business continues to promote ethical sourcing practices, support independent farmers and direct donations to organizations that capture her values.

Keeping a Mission-Driven Business Brewing

Keeping a Mission-Driven Business Brewing