Brief
Buc‑ee’s settles trademark dispute with Ohio’s Mickey’s gas stations
The two companies ended litigation after months of claims that Mickey’s moose logo infringed Buc‑ee’s beaver trademark.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Buc‑ee’s and Ohio‑based Mickey’s gas‑station chain reached a confidential settlement on September 15, ending a trademark infringement lawsuit that began in February, according to The Independent.
What happened
Buc‑ee’s sued Mickey’s, alleging that the chain’s cartoon moose mascot – described as a “cartoon animal facing right with wide eyes and a smile, overlaying a round background” – was too similar to Buc‑ee’s own beaver logo that also faces right. Mickey’s had previously operated under the name “Mickey Mart.” In April, Mickey’s filed a countersuit claiming malicious litigation and unfair competition, arguing that Ohio consumers can easily tell a moose from a beaver.
What the reports add
The Independent notes that the settlement terms are confidential and it is unclear whether Mickey’s must change its logo. It also reports that the dispute sparked local support for a small Ohio store, Beaver’s Mini Mart, which raised over $82,000 on GoFundMe to cover legal fees.
What was said
Vik Bopari, owner of Beaver’s Mini Mart, told the Cincinnati Enquirer, “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.”
How it came about
Buc‑ee’s has a history of protecting its mascot, having sued a Beaver’s Mini Mart in July and a North Georgia convenience store, Teddy’s Market, in May. Earlier this month, the company also settled a separate infringement case with South Carolina clothing brand Born United for $850,000.
Key facts
- Buc‑ee’s sued Mickey’s gas‑station chain over a cartoon moose mascot (independent.co.uk)
- Mickey’s countersued Buc‑ee’s claiming malicious litigation (independent.co.uk)
- The parties reached a confidential settlement on September 15 (independent.co.uk)
- Local GoFundMe for Beaver’s Mini Mart raised over $82,000 (independent.co.uk)
- Buc‑ee’s has previously sued other convenience stores over mascot similarities (independent.co.uk)
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk — originally reported as “Buc-ee’s settles lawsuit with Ohio gas station chain over cartoon mascots”
