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A major Texas convenience store chain has ignited widespread criticism after filing a trademark infringement lawsuit against a small Ohio retailer operating under the name Beaver’s Mini Mart in Beavercreek. Buc-ee’s, which operates a sprawling 74,000-square-foot location with more than 100 gas pumps near Dayton, contends that the mini mart’s beaver mascot infringes on its branded “Bucky” beaver logo and creates consumer confusion.
The lawsuit, filed in late July in federal court, represents the latest chapter in Buc-ee’s aggressive intellectual property strategy targeting woodland creature imagery. The company previously sued a northern Ohio gasoline station chain over its Mickey the Moose logo, arguing it could be mistaken for the Buc-ee’s beaver. Buc-ee’s states it learned of Beaver’s Mini Mart only after the owner filed a trade name registration in October.
Public sentiment has shifted decisively toward the smaller establishment, with customers and local figures rallying against the legal action. Beavercreek City Council unanimously passed a resolution in August designating the beaver as an official part of the city’s 200-year history, while Ohio Governor Mike DeWine characterized the lawsuit as “absurd” given the community’s name.
A GoFundMe campaign to support Beaver’s Mini Mart’s legal defense has raised at least $69,000, and local businesses have joined a grassroots solidarity effort. The Original Goodie Shop bakery in nearby Upper Arlington partnered with the mini mart to sell cookies bearing its logo, with proceeds supporting legal fees. On social media, the dispute has spawned numerous memes and prompted the hashtag #boycottbucees to trend on X.
Comedian John Oliver addressed the matter on his HBO program “Last Week Tonight,” satirizing Buc-ee’s trademark litigation history and launching a merchandise line featuring a fictional “Buc-off” logo. Beaver’s Mini Mart owner Vic Boparai has thanked the community for its support without directly addressing the company’s legal claims, while Buc-ee’s maintains the lawsuit is necessary to protect its valuable intellectual property.
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