Starbucks may illegally block other coffee shops from entry into certain markets by using predatory tactics.

Investigation and pending class action lawsuit against Starbucks Corporation, claiming Starbucks engages in a range of anti-competitive activities aimed at eliminating competition.

The class action complaint states that Starbucks has exploited its monopoly power in the specialty coffee retail market to stifle competition through a series of predatory practices including exclusive lease agreements, "cluster bombing" of stores and competitor buy-outs. The class action complaint cites a number of predatory tactics used by Starbucks, including reports in which Starbucks locks out competition through a series of exclusive lease agreements with property managers of Class A high-rises, preventing other specialty coffee shops from operating in the same building. The class action complaint also states that Starbucks offers to buy out competitors at below-market prices, and threatens to open stores nearby if the offer is rejected.

The suit is asking the court to end what it claims are anti-competitive activities and seeks to represent coffee shop owners who seek to occupy retail space in commercial office buildings in Seattle or Bellevue.