Buc-ee's avoids John Oliver's challenge, sues small Ohio store instead
US gas station and convenience store chain Buc-ee's has ignored comedian John Oliver's public dare to sue him, instead filing a trademark lawsuit against a small, long-established family-run store in Ohio.
Buc-ee's, which became a viral sensation during the World Cup, has a long track record of suing small gas stations and convenience stores over alleged trademark infringement.
On a recent episode of Last Week Tonight, host John Oliver openly dared Buc-ee's to sue him for selling merchandise featuring his squirrel mascot, Mr. Nutterbutter, branded with the phrase "Buc-Off." The company has not taken the bait, apparently unwilling to take on HBO, which has the legal resources to fight back.
Instead, Buc-ee's has turned its attention to another small business. According to WDTN, an NBC affiliate covering Ohio's Miami Valley, Buc-ee's opened its first Ohio locations earlier this year and is now pursuing trademark lawsuits against established local businesses.
Targeting Beaver's Mini Mart
One target is Beaver's Mini Mart in Beavercreek, a store that has served the community for decades. In a suit filed just days ago, Buc-ee's argues that the store's cartoon beaver mascot — with its "wide eyes and a smile" and predominantly red coloring — is similar enough to its own logo to confuse customers.
This is not the first legal fight involving Oliver and Mr. Nutterbutter. In 2017, mining executive Bob Murray unsuccessfully sued Oliver for defamation after an episode of the show covered the coal industry.
