Buc-ee's Amends Federal Trademark Suit Against Ohio's Beaver's Mini Mart, Shifts Focus to Name

Buc-ee's amended its federal trademark infringement lawsuit against Beaver's Mini Mart in Beavercreek, Ohio, in a filing dated Oct. 20, pivoting from claims about similar cartoon beaver mascots to the mini mart's use of the trademarked word "Beaver's." The Texas-based travel center chain, which applied to trademark "Beaver's" in 2017 for convenience store and gasoline retail services, argues the Ohio store's name could lead consumers to believe the businesses are affiliated, even though the mini mart does not sell gasoline. Beaver's Mini Mart erected its beaver-themed sign in 2019. Buc-ee's originally filed suit July 28 and says it sent three cease-and-desist letters before pursuing litigation, disputing the store's public suggestion that it never objected previously. Beaver's Mini Mart said in an Oct. 23 statement it was disappointed the complaint was amended rather than dropped and is reviewing its options with counsel. The dispute has drawn national attention, including criticism from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and comedian John Oliver. Buc-ee's reached a confidential settlement in September with Coles IP Holdings, owner of the Mickey's chain.