For some reason, late-night host John Oliver has decided to pick a fight with a beloved American institution.
The ‘Last Week Tonight’ host is now encouraging Buc-ee’s, a Texas-based convenience store chain, to sue him. The company has filed a number of lawsuits in the interest of protecting its branding amid yet another growth spurt. Plans to open at least two dozen more locations mean that the chain is cracking down on anyone they think is infringing on their turf, including a “gas station chain in the northern part of [Ohio], accusing the company of using a logo that too closely resembled its beaver. These gas stations, known as Mickey’s, have been using their Mickey the Moose mascot since at least 2020 — long before Buc-ee’s opened its first location in Ohio,” The Hill reported.
While this might be a smart business strategy, it has left a bad taste in the mouths of many, including Oklahoma apparel brand owner Jarrad Hewett. He filed a lawsuit against Buc-ee’s in November, declaring that “it’s time that somebody stands up and says, ‘This isn’t right.’”
This is where Oliver comes in. It turns out, he agrees with those like Hewett who say that the chain is overzealous in its desire to protect its brand. He explained that the company has won over a dozen of these lawsuits, largely focused on companies with animal-based logos and mascots.
“And that’s probably because most just don’t have the resources to fight a company this big,” he argued.
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“It turns out, we very much have the will to get into a fight with Buc-ee’s,” Oliver added. The host then referred to a former segment that featured Mr. Nutterbutter, a squirrel mascot who has previously appeared on the show.
ADVERTISEMENTTo poke the beaver further, Oliver showcased merchandise featuring a cartoon version of Mr. Nutterbutter with the slogan “Buc-off” in a very Buc-ee’s style. All of the merchandise, ranging from t-shirts and hats to onesies and coffee mugs (the stickers are listed as sold out, as of Tuesday) can be found at Buc-off.com.
Proceeds from the online store, which, at least for now, is slated to be open until September 8, will reportedly go to Hunger Free America. A notice on the website warns that the items are “not authorized by or affiliated with Buc-ee’s.”
He openly challenged the company to go after him, warning that it may not be a good look for them.
“So, 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 the f— on. Although, remember, in doing so, you’d be directly taking food out of hungry people’s mouths,” he cautioned. “So, at this point, Buc-ee’s, I guess the Beaver Nugget is in your court. The next move is yours.”
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Sierra Marlee is a millennial whose hunger for the truth in a world of fake news has led her to write. Marlee also contributes to BizPac Review.
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