Buc-ee's filed a federal lawsuit on July 28 accusing Beaver's Mini Mart in Beavercreek, Ohio, of using a beaver mascot and red branding that the chain says is confusingly similar to its trademarked logo. The complaint seeks an injunction, damages, any profits from the alleged infringement and attorney fees. The small family-owned store has drawn local support, launched a GoFundMe for legal costs and says it has used the logo since it opened. The suit follows national attention after John Oliver criticized Buc-ee's trademark litigation on July 26.
Buc-ee's Sues Small Ohio Minimart Over Beaver Logo, Sparking Local Backlash
Buc-ee's is suing a tiny Ohio minimart over the Beavercreek business's cartoon animal logo (Getty)
Buc-ee's has filed a federal lawsuit against Beaver's Mini Mart, a small convenience store in Beavercreek, Ohio, alleging that the shop's beaver mascot and red branding are confusingly similar to the chain's trademarked beaver logo. The complaint, filed on July 28 and obtained by The Independent, seeks an injunction, damages, any profits from the alleged infringement and attorney fees.
What Buc-ee's Says
In its complaint, Buc-ee's argues that Beaver's Mini Mart's smiling rodent cartoon and the use of red in its branding could lead customers to believe the two businesses are connected. The filing is the latest in a series of trademark actions brought by the Texas-based travel-center chain against businesses that use animal mascots or similar iconography.
The Minimart's Response
Vik Boparai, who says he has owned Beaver's Mini Mart for about a decade, told reporters the store has used its beaver logo since it opened. The Boparai family — which says it has owned the shop since 2017 — is consulting legal counsel and has received a wave of community support since news of the lawsuit broke.
"I don't know why they would sue a small business like mine. I have two kids, and this store is how I feed them," Vik said.
Vik's brother, Harry Boparai, told Dayton 24/7 Now that publicity around the case has increased foot traffic, with many customers visiting specifically to show support. A local shopper described the legal action as "picking on small businesses." The family has launched a GoFundMe to help cover legal expenses.
Beaver's Mini Mart's owner says that the business is his livelihood (Google Street View)
Context And Wider Reaction
Buc-ee's began expanding beyond Texas in 2018 and opened its first Ohio location in April 2026. The chain has a recent record of pursuing trademark disputes; commentators and some defendants have criticized the company for what they call aggressive enforcement. Many smaller defendants have settled previous cases rather than engage in lengthy, costly litigation.
The federal suit was filed days after comedian John Oliver criticized Buc-ee's on the July 26 episode of Last Week Tonight, calling some of the chain's trademark suits "frivolous" and describing the tactics as "outright bullying." Oliver also introduced a parody merchandise line called Buc-Off, featuring a squirrel mascot named Mr Nutterbutter, and said proceeds would go to hunger relief charity Hunger Free America.
(Photo Caption: Buc-ee's Has Sued A Tiny Ohio Minimart Over The Beavercreek Business's Cartoon Animal Logo — Getty)
What Happens Next
Buc-ee's is asking the court to stop Beaver's Mini Mart from using branding it says infringes its trademarks and to award damages and attorney fees. The Boparai family is preparing a legal response while supporters raise funds for their defense. The Independent has contacted Buc-ee's for comment.
(Photo Caption: Beaver's Mini Mart's Owner Says The Business Is His Livelihood — Google Street View)
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