Buc-ees suing ‘Nut Huggers’ underwear company over cartoon squirrel trademark infringement

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Buc-ees is suing an Oklahoma underwear company called Nut Huggers, claiming their logo—a cartoon squirrel—too closely resembles Buc-ees’ own trademarked designs.

Jarrad Hewett, the owner of Nut Huggers, said he received a three-page legal letter from lawyers representing Buc-ees. The letter demanded he stop using his company’s mascot – a brown squirrel holding two acorns. Hewett explained this happened shortly after his business had its most profitable month ever.

The report states that Hewett invested a significant amount of money – hundreds of thousands of dollars – into the brand and created a logo that fit its playful name. He was surprised when Buc-ees asserted that the logo violated the rights to their famous beaver image.

Buc-ees’ letter sparked dispute over squirrels, colors, and hats

According to KFOR, Buc-ees believes a company called Nut Huggers is illegally using its trademark. Buc-ees’ lawyer, Trent Menning, stated that Nut Huggers is using a cartoon character – a smiling, brown rodent with buck teeth – in its branding, which Buc-ees considers a violation of its trademark.

The letter reportedly asked the small business to stop using cartoon mice, and also to avoid the colors red, yellow, and brown. It also requested they stop using baseball caps or images showing profiles. Hewett said he offered to change the colors and only use designs facing forward, but Buc-ees reportedly wanted even more limitations.

So, after I showed them my logo, they pretty much wanted all of my designs! I’m pretty sure my logo is legally protected with a trademark, and honestly, I think Buc-ees is trying to claim more than they should.

This Texas company has sued businesses in several other states – Missouri, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Florida – over similar disagreements about mascots. The owner, Hewett, plans to challenge this new claim, stating he wants to defend small businesses against what he sees as unfair tactics.

“I think that it’s time that somebody stands up and says, this isn’t right,” Hewett said.

This isn’t the first time Buc-ees has sued a clothing company. Back in June 2025, they went after Born United for using a tough-looking version of their famous beaver logo.

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2025-11-15 17:48