Buc-ee’s, the popular Texas-based convenience store chain known for its clean restrooms and smiling beaver mascot, has filed a lawsuit against a South Carolina company. The issue? A cartoon beaver with a gun.
The lawsuit, filed recently in federal court, accuses a company based in South Carolina of selling merchandise that closely resembles the Buc-ee’s brand.
According to the complaint, the company is using an image of a beaver that looks too similar to Buc-ee’s well-known mascot, except this one is holding a rifle.
The South Carolina store, called “Buck-ee’s,” is a hunting and outdoor-themed business. It sells t-shirts and other products featuring the “armed beaver” image. Buc-ee’s says this image not only confuses customers but also harms its brand, which is family-friendly and known across several states.
Buc-ee’s claims that the name “Buck-ee’s” is also too close to its own and that the store is intentionally trying to benefit from Buc-ee’s reputation.
The Texas company says it has built its brand over many years, starting back in 1982, and has spent a lot on marketing and expansion.
The company currently has locations across Texas and other states like Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, and South Carolina. It is especially known for its beaver logo, large travel centers, snacks, and branded merchandise.
In the lawsuit, Buc-ee’s argues that the South Carolina company is violating its trademark rights. It says the beaver image used by Buck-ee’s copies key parts of the Buc-ee’s mascot — such as the shape of the face, the hat, and the cartoon style — but adds a weapon, which Buc-ee’s says does not match its clean and safe image.
They argue that this can confuse customers who may think the two brands are related. Buc-ee’s also believes that the use of a gun with the beaver may hurt its image, especially among families and travelers who choose their stores for a safe and welcoming environment.
The lawsuit includes photos comparing the two beaver logos side-by-side. Buc-ee’s legal team believes the similarities are clear and could mislead shoppers. They are asking the court to stop Buck-ee’s from using the name and the beaver image, and they are also seeking damages for trademark infringement.
This is not the first time Buc-ee’s has gone to court over its brand. In the past, it has taken legal action against other companies it believed were copying its style or using similar names. Buc-ee’s has a history of defending its intellectual property strongly.
The company has not made a public statement beyond the legal filing. Meanwhile, the South Carolina company has not responded to the lawsuit publicly.
Legal experts say this type of trademark case depends on how similar the logos are and whether customers are likely to be confused.
The court will look at details like how the logos are used, how the stores are marketed, and how strong Buc-ee’s trademark is in the minds of the public.
For now, the case will move through the legal system, and both sides will have a chance to present their arguments. If Buc-ee’s wins, the South Carolina store may have to stop selling the armed beaver merchandise and may also face financial penalties.
This case highlights how seriously large brands take their logos and identity — and how even a small change, like adding a weapon, can lead to big legal consequences.