Buc-ee's settles trademark lawsuit with Ohio's Mickey's

Buc-ee's has reached a confidential settlement with Coles IP Holdings, the parent company of the Ohio-based gas station chain Mickey's, ending a trademark infringement dispute over cartoon mascots.

Buc-ee's originally filed the lawsuit alleging that Mickey's mascot—a cartoon moose—was too similar to its own iconic beaver logo in terms of facial expression, positioning, and circular background. Mickey's countersued in April, accusing Buc-ee's of malicious litigation and unfair competition, arguing that consumers can easily distinguish between a moose and a beaver.

The settlement was reached on September 15. While the terms remain private, it is currently unknown if Mickey's will be required to alter or replace its branding. This legal battle occurred as Buc-ee's expanded into the Ohio market, having opened its first location in Huber Heights in April.