Buc-ee’s Sues Beaver’s Mini Mart Over Trademark Infringement

The travel center chain Buc-ee’s filed a federal lawsuit against Beaver’s Mini Mart in Beavercreek, Ohio, alleging trademark infringement. Buc-ee’s claims that the mini mart's exterior sign—which features a smiling cartoon beaver with wide eyes and a red color scheme—too closely resembles its own iconic logo. The lawsuit asserts that this unauthorized use of marks is likely to cause consumer confusion and unjustly enriches the small store while risking the reputation of the Texas-based chain.

The owner of Beaver’s Mini Mart defended the branding as a representation of the store's connection to the city of Beavercreek. The business characterized the legal action as an unfair attempt by a large corporation to bully a small business. Beaver’s Mini Mart has until approximately August 19 to respond to the filing.

This legal action follows a pattern of trademark litigation by Buc-ee’s, including a lawsuit against Mickey’s, a northeast Ohio gas station chain, and a successful suit against Choke Canyon BBQ in Texas several years ago. Separately, comedian John Oliver mocked these legal strategies on "Last Week Tonight" by creating and selling "Buc-off" branded merchandise for charity, daring the company to sue him.