Buc-ee’s chain draws outcry in Ohio for launching fight over a mini mart’s beaver logo

BEAVERCREEK, Ohio (AP) – A lip-licking alligator, a smiling moose and a hat-wearing bear are among the plenty of cartoon animals to have identified themselves in the crosshairs of Buc-ee's, the popular Texas convenience store chain that has a penchant for protecting its buck-toothed beaver.

Key points

• But now Buc-ee's has set off a Buckeye backlash throughout Ohio and beyond after taking on a beaver in the city of Beavercreek.
• Buc-ee's argues the shop's beaver logo too closely resembles the convenience store giant's branded Buc-ee ("Bucky") beaver.
• British comedian John Oliver has even weighed in on the kerfuffle.

It's yet another Buc-ee's Ltd. Trademark infringement lawsuit. Supporters of Beaver's Mini Mart have attacked Buc-ee's online and boycotted the stores, and the mini mart's home city passed a resolution making the beaver an official part of its history. British comedian John Oliver has even weighed in on the kerfuffle.

On an episode of "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, " the comedian detailed Buc-ee's aggressive history of trademark lawsuits targeting various woodland creatures and introduced a website hawking merchandise bearing a knockoff "Buc-off" logo and a squirrel mascot named Mr. Nutterbutter. On X, #boycottbucees trended.

Buc-ee's sued Beaver's Mini Mart in late July, four months after the chain known for its extensive food offerings and massive restrooms opened its first Ohio store less than a half-hour's drive away.

Buc-ee's argues the shop's beaver logo too closely resembles the convenience store giant's branded Buc-ee ("Bucky") beaver. The Texas-based firm asked for a jury trial in federal court in Ohio.

Taken together, the developments around buc-ee's chain draws outcry in Ohio for launching fight over a mini point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.