Buc-ee's files trademark lawsuit against Ohio's Beaver's Mini Mart over beaver logo

Buc-ee's, the Texas-based convenience-store chain, filed a federal trademark infringement lawsuit against Beaver's Mini Mart in Beavercreek, Ohio, alleging that the retailer's smiling cartoon beaver logo and red color scheme are substantially similar to Buc-ee's own beaver emblem, which the company says it has used for more than four decades and holds multiple federal registrations for. The complaint argues that the similarity could cause consumer confusion about a possible affiliation between the two businesses.

Beaver's Mini Mart, owned by Vik Boparai for over ten years, predates Buc-ee's expansion into Ohio, which began in April 2024. The mini-mart does not operate gas pumps and is located away from major highways. Boparai told local media that the lawsuit threatens his family's livelihood, saying, "I don't know why they would sue a small business like mine. I have two kids and this store is how I feed them."

Beavercreek Councilman Zach Upton described the suit as an overreach, stating that customers are unlikely to confuse the two logos because the businesses operate in different market segments. "Common sense is not prevailing," Upton said.

The case follows criticism from comedian John Oliver, who highlighted Buc-ee's pattern of suing smaller companies with animal mascots and challenged the chain to target a comparable-sized entity. Oliver noted that Buc-ee's has settled most cases or won when opponents lacked resources to contest the claims.

Buc-ee's has not responded to requests for comment.