Buc-ee’s sues Ohio family-run Beaver’s Mini Mart over beaver logo

Buc-ee’s initiated a federal trademark action against Beaver’s Mini Mart, a family-run convenience store in Beavercreek, Ohio, alleging that the shop’s name, cartoon beaver logo and red color scheme are confusingly similar to its federally registered marks. The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, requests a court order to halt the use of the disputed branding, destroy related signs and marketing, surrender alleged infringing profits, pay damages and cover legal costs, and includes a demand for a jury trial.

The Boparai family, who have operated the store since 2017—before Buc-ee’s opened a nearby Ohio location—contend the lawsuit targets a small business and that the beaver motif is a long-standing local symbol. Local officials and customers have expressed skepticism that consumers would confuse the two businesses, noting the distinct markets. Since the filing, the mini-mart has seen a surge in patronage from community members supporting the local shop and some have pledged to avoid Buc-ee’s altogether.