In a battle of the cartoon animal mascots, Buc-ee’s has filed suit in federal court against the owner of Mickey’s, a convenience store chain primarily located across Ohio, according to the Sandusky Register.
The suit alleges that the Mickey’s “Mickey the Moose” mascot is too similar to the Buc-ee’s beaver mascot.
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Buc‑ee’s is the Texas-based national chain of gas stations and convenience stores with 54 locations across the country, including two in Florida. Mickey’s operates 42 stores, all in Ohio.
Court documents show that Buc‑ee’s is suing Coles IP Holdings – the owner of Mickey’s – in federal court, accusing the company of trademark infringement, unfair competition and seeking cancellation of several trademark registrations, according to filings in the Northern District of Ohio.
Buc‑ee’s argues that the likelihood of consumer confusion has grown since Mickey’s shifted from its previous “Mickey Mart” branding to the shorter “Mickey’s,” which the company says sounds too similar to its own name.
The complaint also says consumers online have questioned whether the two brands are connected. The suit accuses Mickey’s of infringing Buc‑ee’s trademark and asks the court to cancel Mickey’s trademark.