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Buc-Ee's Sues Small Business in Ohio over Logo Branding
Buc-ee's says the store's smiling beaver logo could confuse customers, as a GoFundMe has raised $34,000 for its legal defense.
On Tuesday, Texas-based travel chain Buc-ee's filed a federal trademark infringement lawsuit against Beaver's Mini Mart in Beavercreek, Ohio, claiming the local store's logo, color scheme, and name are too similar to its own.
The lawsuit follows Buc-ee's recent expansion into the state with a large Huber Heights travel center; the filing occurred days after 'Last Week Tonight' host John Oliver criticized the company's reputation for targeting businesses with similar cartoon animal mascots.
Community members are rallying around the small business, raising $34,000 via GoFundMe toward a $45,000 legal goal, while local business owner Taylor Reese stated she sympathizes with the store, arguing it is 'way too big for them to fight against.'
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine criticized the action during the Ohio State Fair, saying, 'They need to dismiss this lawsuit,' while the Beavercreek City Council is considering a resolution to formally affirm the beaver as a historic community symbol.
Owners of the mini-mart have stated they will fight the legal action, which demands they remove all disputed branding and cover legal fees, as the store has two weeks to file a formal response to the federal complaint.