BEAVERCREEK — Texas-based travel center chain Buc-ee’s has filed a lawsuit against a local convenience store.
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In a lawsuit filed in federal court, Buc-ee’s alleges that Beaver’s Mini Mart on Hanes Road is infringing its trademark.
The chain alleges that the cartoon beaver on the mini mart’s sign resembles Buc-ee’s iconic logo too closely.
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“Like the Buc-ee’s Marks, Defendant’s Marks incorporate a cartoon beaver with wide eyes and a smile,” court documents state.
Buc-ee’s also alleges the business uses a similar red color.
These similarities are “likely to cause confusion” for customers, who are “likely to perceive a connection or association” between the two, court documents allege.
The owner of the mini mart sent News Center 7 the following statement:
“We want to take a moment to thank you-our amazing customers and the Beavercreek community-for your unwavering support over the years. You may have heard that we are currently facing a lawsuit filed by Buc-ee’s for simply using a beaver in our store name and branding. We created Beavers Mini Mart to represent our connection to this community and the city we proudly serve-Beavercreek. This lawsuit is unfair, and we believe small businesses should be able to operate without being bullied by large corporations. We are standing up for our rights and will fight this lawsuit all the way.”
The mini mart has until around August 19 to respond to the lawsuit.
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