Buc-ee's Sues Ohio Mini Mart, Sparks Backlash

Texas convenience store chain Buc-ee's has sued Beaver's Mini Mart, a small shop in Beavercreek, Ohio, claiming the store's beaver logo is too close to its own buck-toothed mascot — and the lawsuit has triggered a statewide backlash.

Buc-ee's filed the trademark infringement suit in late July and asked for a jury trial in federal court in Ohio.

Supporters have boycotted Buc-ee's online, the city of Beavercreek passed a resolution making the beaver an official part of its history, and Republican Gov. Mike DeWine called the lawsuit "absurd."

What the two sides say

Buc-ee's argues the mini mart's logo could be confused with Buc-ee ("Bucky"), its beaver mascot — a beaver's face with prominent buck teeth in a red ball cap against a yellow backdrop. The Beaver's Mini Mart mascot is a full beaver, unclothed, waving and smiling against a white background.

In a statement on its website, Buc-ee's said it first learned of Beaver's Mini Mart when owner Vic Boparai filed a trade name registration on Oct. 23. The company said it recognized a conflict and repeatedly tried to reach Boparai without success, so it was forced to sue.

Boparai issued a statement that did not address the company's concerns or the merits of the case. "We want to say thank you to the community and the entire country for supporting us and our business," he said. "We are overwhelmed by your support for our business and other small businesses everywhere." The Associated Press said it was unable to reach him at the store or by phone.