Buc-ee’s Takes Legal Action Against Another Small Business, Skipping John Oliver’s Spotlight

Buc-ee’s gained a lot of attention during the World Cup, but its history of legal battles against small gas stations and convenience stores raises eyebrows. In a recent episode of a popular show, the host humorously challenged the company to sue him for selling merchandise featuring his squirrel mascot, Mr. Nutterbutter, with the playful branding “Buc-Off.” However, Buc-ee’s has chosen to focus its legal efforts on another small business that doesn’t have the financial resources or legal team of a major network.

As reported by a local news outlet, Buc-ee’s opened its first locations in Ohio earlier this year and is now pursuing trademark lawsuits against established local businesses. Beaver’s Mini Mart in Beavercreek, a beloved fixture in the community for decades, is facing claims from Buc-ee’s. The company argues that the Mini Mart’s beaver logo could mislead customers. The lawsuit, filed recently, contends that the cartoon beaver mascot bears too much resemblance to Buc-ee’s own character, citing similarities in its “wide eyes and a smile” and the use of red as a dominant color, which could lead to confusion.

Meanwhile, Oliver and Mr. Nutterbutter have successfully defended against a previous lawsuit, where a mining executive attempted to sue for defamation after a segment aired in 2017 that critiqued the coal industry.