Buc-ee's and Ohio convenience chain Mickey's reach confidential settlement
Buc-ee's and Coles IP Holdings, owner of the Mickey's chain, have settled their trademark dispute in Ohio, though the terms remain undisclosed.
The Texas-based travel-stop chain Buc-ee's and Coles IP Holdings, which operates the Mickey's convenience stores, have reached a confidential settlement over a trademark dispute in Ohio, court records show. The agreement on material terms was signed on Sept. 15, ending litigation that began when Buc-ee's filed a federal suit in February alleging that Mickey's logo—a smiling moose in a red hexagon—was too similar to its own beaver emblem.
Coles IP Holdings filed a countersuit in April, claiming Buc-ee's was engaging in unfair competition and malicious litigation. In its filing, the company said, > "Buc-ee’s claims ignore reality" and asserted that > "Ohio consumers can readily distinguish a moose from a beaver."
Buc-ee's also argued that Mickey's rebranding from Mickey Mart could cause confusion because the new name closely resembles the Buc-ee's trademark. The settlement details were not disclosed, and both parties declined to comment.
The dispute is one of two trademark actions Buc-ee's has pursued in Ohio; a separate case against Beaver's Mini Mart in Beavercreek remains pending. Buc-ee's opened its first Ohio location in April, expanding its presence in the state.