Ohio Gas Station Fights Back Against Buc-ee's Trademark Lawsuit

Mickey's pushes back against Texas-based chain's claims of mascot similarity.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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Mickey's, a gas station chain based in Milan, Ohio, is facing a trademark lawsuit from Texas-based Buc-ee's over the similarity of their mascots. Mickey's, which has used 'Mickey the Moose' since 2020, is vowing to keep using its mascot despite Buc-ee's claims that it is too similar to their iconic beaver logo.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing battles between large corporations and smaller regional businesses over trademark and intellectual property rights. It raises questions about how much control major brands can exert over local businesses and the extent to which they can police the use of similar imagery, even if it predates their own trademarks.

The details

Buc-ee's, known for its massive gas stations and beaver mascot, filed a federal lawsuit against Mickey's, a 42-location gas station chain in North Central Ohio, claiming the local company's 'Mickey the Moose' logo is too similar to Buc-ee's trademarked beaver. Mickey's has used the moose logo since 2020 and argues it is part of the company's legacy and identity. The Ohio gas station chain says it will continue using the mascot despite the lawsuit.

  • Buc-ee's filed the lawsuit against Mickey's last month.
  • Mickey's has used the 'Mickey the Moose' trademark since 2020.
  • Buc-ee's plans to open its first Ohio location on April 6, 2026 in Huber Heights.

The players

Mickey's

A gas station chain based in Milan, Ohio that has 42 locations in North Central Ohio and has used the 'Mickey the Moose' trademark since 2020.

Buc-ee's

A Texas-based company known for its large gas station stores and iconic beaver mascot. Buc-ee's has filed numerous trademark lawsuits against other companies over the years.

Dan Coles

The CEO of Mickey's, whose father Mick founded the gas station chain.

Jeff Nadalo

The general counsel for Buc-ee's.

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What they’re saying

“We intend to move forward as the Mickey's you've always known, with the same Moose on our signs, the same local pride, and the same customer service you have come to expect. We aren't going anywhere.”

— Dan Coles, CEO, Mickey's (Cleveland.com)

“Though they may just see a smiling moose, we see a legacy built by, and for, our neighbors.”

— Dan Coles, CEO, Mickey's (Cleveland.com)

“Buc-ee's will not stand idly by while others infringe upon its intellectual property rights it has worked tirelessly to build and protect.”

— Jeff Nadalo, General Counsel, Buc-ee's (Cleveland.com)

What’s next

The lawsuit between Mickey's and Buc-ee's remains ongoing, with the outcome to determine whether Mickey's can continue using its 'Mickey the Moose' mascot.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges small, regional businesses face when defending their trademarks and branding against larger national corporations. It raises questions about how much control major brands can exert over local companies and the extent to which they can police similar imagery, even if it predates their own trademarks.