A Summerville-based clothing company, Born United, has agreed to pay Buc-ee’s $850,000 after a trademark dispute concerning the use of Buc-ee’s beaver logo. The lawsuit, initiated by Buc-ee’s on May 27, 2025, accused Born United of selling unauthorized merchandise featuring a parody of the logo, which included a beaver in military gear.
Senator Tom Fernandez, a part-owner of Born United, had previously argued that the logo’s use constituted parody. However, the court ruled that the beaver logo is widely recognized as part of Buc-ee’s brand and protected under trademark laws.
The settlement, filed on August 18, 2025, requires Born United to cease all use and sale of merchandise bearing the Buc-ee’s logo or similar designs, and both parties agreed not to appeal the decision. Additionally, Buc-ee’s aims to destroy remaining inventory related to the infringement.
Buc-ee’s has been active in defending its trademark, having filed multiple lawsuits against other businesses for similar infringements.
