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Buc-ee’s Sues Ohio Chain Mickey’s Over Moose Logo in Federal Trademark Case

The Ohio filing marks the latest step in Buc-ee’s push to police look‑alike mascots and possessive naming through trademark law.

Overview

  • Buc-ee’s filed a Feb. 18 lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio against Coles IP Holdings, owner of Mickey Mart now rebranding as Mickey’s, alleging trademark infringement and unfair competition.
  • The complaint seeks cancellation of Coles IP Holdings’ trademark registrations, following a cancellation effort Buc-ee’s began in August 2025.
  • Buc-ee’s argues Mickey’s smiling moose in a red hexagon and the shift to the possessive name are likely to confuse consumers with its beaver-in-yellow-circle mark, noting both mascots face right with wide eyes and smiles.
  • Mickey’s lists about 42 locations in northern Ohio, and FOX 26 reports the chain introduced its current moose logo last summer; a court date has not been set.
  • USA TODAY and the Statesman reported no immediate responses from the companies, while Buc-ee’s counsel Jeff Nadalo has previously stated the company will not stand idly by as it enforces its intellectual property, reflecting a yearslong pattern of similar cases.