HBO’s John Oliver takes on Buc-ee’s over trademark lawsuits

Late evening host John Oliver is choosing a struggle with a outstanding Texas determine: Buc-ee the beaver.

Oliver, comic and host of HBO’s Last Week Tonightdevoted a phase of his present Sunday to Buc-ee’s and his quite a few lawsuits alleging trademark infringement.

Buc-ee’s emerged as a favorite fan at the World CupOliver defined, with vacationers raving in regards to the comfort retailer’s large measurement and dizzying number of snacks.

“It’s quintessentially American,” he mentioned. “It’s gloriously weird, massive and full of salty snacks and red meat.”

There is one thing else deeply American about Buc’ee’sI continued. It loves sue different corporations.

In current years, it sued Super Fuels in Dallaswhose emblem was a brown canine sporting a pink cape, a drive-through liquor retailer in Missouri named Duckees that includes a cartoon duck carrying sun shades, Choke Canyon Travel Center in Texas over its cartoon alligator carrying a cowboy hat, and Nut Huggers, an Oklahoma-based underwear firm with a mascot of a squirrel.

Oliver accused the chain of “outright bullying,” noting that many of the shops have modified their logos as a result of they don’t have the assets to struggle the Texas large, which operates greater than 50 shops.

“That is where we come in,” he mentioned to applause.

The comic introduced the launch of a line of T-shirts, underwear, tumblers and umbrellas with the brand “Buc-Off,” that includes the mascot Mr. Nutterbutter, a 7-foot squirrel.

“If any prominent gas station chain out there has an issue with our new logo and products and wants to get lawyers involved, then you know what? Bring it on,” he mentioned, including an expletive.

Reached by cellphone Monday, Buc-ee’s General Counsel Jeff Nadalo instructed The Dallas Morning News the corporate doesn’t plan to sue however declined additional remark.

Regarding the corporate’s previous lawsuits, he instructed Texas Lawbook final 12 months that “Buc-ee’s has not remained idle spectators while others infringe the intellectual property rights that Buc’ee’s has worked so hard to develop.”

Buc-Off merchandise will probably be out there till Sept. 8, and proceeds will go to Hunger Free America.