Buc-ee’s wins $850K settlement against North Charleston apparel company
Buc-ee’s has reached an $850,000 settlement with a North Charleston-based apparel company over claims the business copied the Texas travel chain’s signature beaver logo. U.S. District Judge David Norton signed a consent judgment and permanent injunction on Aug. 19, ending the trademark dispute between Buc-ee’s and multiple Born United entities.
The settlement requires Born United to pay Buc-ee’s $850,000 in damages, according to court records. The company is prohibited from using the logo or any similar branding and must destroy any remaining product and marketing materials.
Born United consented to judgment on claims including trademark infringement, false designation of origin, unfair competition and unjust enrichment.
Buc-ee’s had accused Born United of selling shirts, shorts and other merchandise featuring the chain’s federally protected beaver logo without authorization. The Texas-based travel center also alleged Born United continued selling the products after receiving a cease-and-desist letter.
Images in court documents show Born United’s designs using the Buc-ee’s beaver likeness dressed in military-style clothing, with the words “An American Tradition” printed above the icon.
Born United operates storefronts in North Charleston, Summerville and Myrtle Beach.
In South Carolina, Buc-ee’s currently operates a store in Florence, with plans to expand to Anderson and Hardeeville.
