McDonald’s in trouble again? Fast food giant accused of ‘blatant rip-off’

It is not uncommon for giant companies to take inspiration or sometimes, downright copy from small designers, brands or independent companies. While in the past, huge corporations could get away with such unethical practices, now with social media and ever-vigilant consumers, it is much harder for that stuff to fly under the radar.

As reported by Metro, a small coffee company, Lost Sheep Coffee from Kent, has made allegations that McDonald’s latest festive cup designs have been copied from their coffee mugs.

Lost Sheep Coffee mugs

The speciality coffee shop had commissioned the designs of their mugs to represent the story of their brand, whose inception happened when the founder came up with the idea while backpacking in Australia and then, set up their first coffee van in 2012.

The design of the mug has colourful line drawings showing various aspects of their story, such as kangaroos, a van, travellers with backpacks etc. As per the brand, this year McDonald’s festive coffee mug designs seem very similar to their original design.

The report quotes the co-founder of Lost Sheep Coffee, Stuart Wilson as saying,

I definitely feel there are extreme similarities.

If we did a Christmas cup, using our design, that would be it.

McDonald’s festive coffee mug

McDonald’s festive coffee mugs are also decorated with line drawings which in itself is a common art form. But according to the small coffee company, it seems very inspired by their designs.

Mr Wilson states,

I just thought that’s quite a direct rip-off as far as I’m concerned.

I thought, “Well, hang on a second. I’m not being pushed around by a massive multinational”

It wouldn’t be the first time a big company’s designers have ripped off a small company’s designs.

He further points out,

The two people on the design are me and my wife, who set up the company.

Now, I know equally, the McDonald’s cup hasn’t got a bit with two people on.

But it’s just a total blatant style rip-off, basically, as far as we’re concerned.

Sources used:

Metro: ‘McDonald’s ‘rip off’ small coffee company with design for festive cups’