Buc-ee's Faces Backlash in Ohio Over Trademark Lawsuit Against Beaver's Mini Mart

A lip-licking alligator, a smiling moose, and a hat-wearing bear are among the cartoon animals that have squared off against Buc-ee's, the Texas convenience store chain known for its buck-toothed beaver mascot. Now, the company has drawn a wave of criticism in Ohio after suing a small Beavercreek convenience store over its own beaver logo.

Buc-ee's filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Beaver's Mini Mart in late July, four months after opening its first Ohio store less than a half-hour's drive from the mini mart. The chain, which is known for its vast stores and extensive food offerings, argues that the shop's beaver logo too closely resembles its branded Buc-ee beaver and has asked for a jury trial in federal court in Ohio.

The lawsuit has triggered a vocal reaction in Beavercreek and beyond. Supporters of the mini mart have attacked Buc-ee's online and boycotted its stores, and the city of Beavercreek passed a resolution on Aug. 10 making the beaver a permanent and official part of its 200-plus-year history. The vote was unanimous, and Bucky the Beaver, the mascot of Beavercreek Local Schools, attended the council meeting.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine called the lawsuit "absurd," telling reporters, "It is Beavercreek, for heaven's sake."

The Dispute and the Backlash

Beaver's Mini Mart, which occupies a long, low building with a shingle roof at a suburban intersection, incorporated in 2017 and changed its name from Hanes Road Carryout to Beaver's Mini Mart in January 2025. Its mascot is a full beaver, unclothed, waving and smiling against a white background. In contrast, Buc-ee's logo features the face of a beaver with prominent buck teeth wearing a red ball cap against a yellow backdrop.

Buc-ee's said it first learned of the mini mart when its owner, Vic Boparai, filed a trade name registration on Oct. 23. The company said it repeatedly attempted to reach Boparai without success, forcing it to sue. Boparai issued a statement thanking the community, saying, "We want to say thank you to the community and the entire country for supporting us and our business. We are overwhelmed by your support for our business and other small businesses everywhere."

The backlash has taken many forms. A GoFundMe campaign aimed at helping with lawsuit costs had raised at least $69,000. The Original Goodie Shop bakery in Upper Arlington sells a cookie using the Beaver's Mini Mart logo, with $1 from each sale going toward legal fees. Cake, Hope & Love, a Beavercreek bakery, is offering cookies adorned with buck-toothed beavers that urge shopping locally. Other Dayton-area businesses, including a Lego store and a root beer shop, temporarily altered their logos in solidarity.

On social media, images lampooning the fight are rampant, including one showing the Ohio State University football mascot, Brutus Buckeye, tackling Buc-ee the beaver. The hashtag #boycottbucees trended on X. British comedian John Oliver also weighed in on his show "Last Week Tonight with John Oliver," detailing Buc-ee's history of trademark lawsuits against woodland creatures and launching a website selling merchandise with a knockoff "Buc-off" logo and a squirrel mascot named Mr. Nutterbutter.

Buc-ee's Legal History and Context

Buc-ee's has a history of trademark lawsuits against cartoon animals. While preparing to enter Ohio in February, it sued the northern Ohio holding company for Mickey Mart gas stations over its Mickey the Moose logo. The company's response, as quoted in reports, was "A moose is not a beaver."

Buc-ee's new store in Ohio is 74,000 square feet (6,875 square meters) and has more than 100 gas pumps, 24 electric vehicle chargers, and 700 parking spaces. A second Ohio store has been approved to open in 2028.

A customer, Austin Collins, 32, a project manager from Fairborn, said, "I love Buc-ee's, but I don't plan on going back until they start making better business decisions."

Perspectives

Buc-ee's: The company argues that the shop's beaver logo too closely resembles its branded Buc-ee beaver and claims a right to protect its valuable logo. It also said it tried to reach Boparai before filing the lawsuit.

Beaver's Mini Mart and its supporters: The owner expressed gratitude for community support. Supporters have boycotted Buc-ee's, launched fundraisers, and created a groundswell of local solidarity, backed by the city's official endorsement of the beaver and Gov. DeWine's criticism of the lawsuit.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine: Called the lawsuit "absurd," emphasizing the city's name and its long-standing association with beavers.