Buc-ee’s sues Ohio c-store chain over moose mascot logo

TOLEDO, Ohio — Buc-ee’s has filed a federal lawsuit against an Ohio convenience store chain, alleging that the company’s moose mascot closely resembles the well-known beaver logo of the Texas travel center operator.

The lawsuit, filed on February 18 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, names Coles IP Holdings LLC, the parent company of the Mickey Mart convenience store chain, which is rebranding many locations as “Mickey’s.” Buc-ee’s alleges trademark infringement and unfair competition related to the chain’s logo and branding. Buc-ee’s also claims that the Ohio chain’s transition from the name “Mickey Mart” to “Mickey’s” more closely resembles the Buc-ee’s trademark.

Additionally, the suit points out Mickey’s use of red as a dominant branding color in signage, uniforms, and promotional materials. According to court documents, Mickey Mart’s logo shows a smiling cartoon moose on a red background, while Buc-ee’s well-known logo features a smiling beaver wearing a red cap inside a yellow circle. Buc-ee’s claims that the similarities between the mascots could confuse consumers because both depict a cartoon animal facing right, with wide eyes and a big smile, inside a rounded emblem.

The Texas-based travel center operator is requesting the court to cancel Mickey’s trademark registrations, permanently prohibit the company from using the disputed logos, and order the destruction of related branding materials. Buc-ee’s is also seeking damages and attorneys’ fees and has requested a jury trial.

Mickey Mart operates approximately 42 convenience stores in Ohio, according to its website.

The case is the latest in a series of legal actions Buc-ee’s has filed to defend its brand. The company has previously filed trademark lawsuits against several businesses whose logos featured animal mascots or designs that it claimed were too similar to its beaver emblem.

Buc-ee’s operates more than 50 large travel centers nationwide and has built a loyal customer base through its spacious stores, branded merchandise, and signature snacks like Beaver Nuggets.