Business & Finance
Buc-ee’s trademark lawsuit against Ohio convenience store sparks local backlash
The Texas-based travel center chain faces public boycott calls and criticism from state officials after suing Beaver’s Mini Mart over mascot similarities.
The short version
- Texas convenience chain Buc-ee's filed a federal trademark infringement lawsuit against Beaver's Mini Mart in Beavercreek, Ohio, alleging its beaver mascot infringes on Buc-ee's brand.
- The lawsuit triggered local boycotts, national commentary, and public criticism from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, who labeled the legal action absurd.
- Beavercreek City Council formally designated the beaver an official part of city history, and a legal defense fund for the small business has collected tens of thousands of dollars.
- A federal jury trial has been requested by Buc-ee's, while the mini mart has not publicly addressed the legal merits of the dispute.
Key facts
- Buc-ee's filed a federal trademark lawsuit in Ohio against Beaver's Mini Mart in late July, seeking a jury trial over claims that the mini mart's mascot infringes on its beaver logo.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- The small business, originally incorporated in 2017 as Hanes Road Carryout, changed its name to Beaver's Mini Mart in January 2025 following a trade name filing by owner Vic Boparai.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- Buc-ee's stated that it attempted repeatedly to contact Boparai to resolve the trademark conflict before resorting to legal action.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- On August 10, the Beavercreek City Council passed a resolution formally recognizing the beaver as part of the municipality's history.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- A fundraising campaign to cover Beaver's Mini Mart's legal defense costs gathered at least $69,000.[ABC News · Associated Press]
- Ohio Governor Mike DeWine publicly criticized the lawsuit against the Beavercreek business, calling it absurd.[ABC News · Associated Press]
What remains uncertain
- The timeline and eventual outcome of the federal trademark infringement lawsuit remain undetermined as formal court proceedings advance.[ABC News · Associated Press]