Buc-ee’s isn’t happy about an armed beaver in camo gear. The Texas travel giant just sued a store for selling a “ripoff” of its beloved beaver logo.
HOUSTON — When it comes to protecting its beloved beaver mascot, Texas-based Buc-ee’s doesn’t mess around. That’s why they’re not laughing over a knockoff version dressed in a combat helmet and carrying a rifle.
The popular travel center has filed a federal lawsuit against Born United, a South Carolina-based retailer, accusing the company of selling “patriotic” T-shirts and other gear that look a little too much like the real Buc-ee’s brand.
And Buc-ee’s isn’t buying the idea that it was just a coincidence.
The retailer states that Born United ignored a cease-and-desist letter and continued to sell the items, including in at least one of its Southern U.S. retail stores. Even if the online listings have disappeared, Buc-ee’s attorneys said the merchandise was still on display as recently as this week, according to reports.
It’s also still featured in a post on Born United’s Instagram showing a boy wearing the knockoff with the caption: “The squad rolling up to Bucee’s in style!”
Buc-ee’s is asking the court for damages and wants all of the knockoff items destroyed.
The lawsuit accuses Born United of “slavish copying” and says the brand’s actions show “bad faith conduct” that could confuse customers into thinking the items are official Buc-ee’s merchandise.
This isn’t the first time Buc-ee’s has gone after companies it believes are trying to cash in on its iconic beaver. The brand has previously sued stores with names like Barc-ee’s, Duckees and even a Dallas convenience store called Super Fuels.
Buc-ee’s, once a Texas-only stop for road-trippers, has grown into a regional powerhouse with locations across the South, including in Arkansas, Colorado and South Carolina — where the first store opened in 2022.
Meanwhile, Born United continues to sell other edgy or satirical apparel featuring well-known characters. Their products include Super Mario with guns, Winnie the Pooh rebranded as “Winnie the Pew,” and a lightning bolt that looks a lot like the Gatorade logo. Former President Donald Trump also appears on some items.