TV comic dares Buc-ee’s to sue him by selling his own ‘Buck-off’ merch

Buc-ee’s has spent years taking on rival businesses in court over mascots it claims look a little too much like its famous beaver.

Now the Texas travel center giant has been challenged by someone with much deeper pockets – and a national television audience.

Last Week Tonight host John Oliver has launched a parody merchandise line called ‘Buc-Off’, complete with a cartoon squirrel mascot, and is openly daring Buc-ee’s to sue him after devoting part of his HBO show to the company’s long history of trademark lawsuits.

The limited-edition Buc-Off collection includes a range of merchandise featuring the show’s parody mascot, Mr. Nutterʙuттer, from $2.95 sticker sheets and $15.95 coffee mugs to $16.95 boxer briefs and $27.95 trucker hats. 

All proceeds will benefit Hunger Free America, with the online store remaining open until September 8, 2026. 

The website also makes clear the merchandise is ‘not authorized by or affiliated with Buc-ee’s,’ underlining that the collection is a parody rather than an official collaboration. 

The comedian’s stunt comes after Buc-ee’s filed more than a dozen legal actions against businesses featuring animal logos, including gas stations, apparel companies, convenience stores and even an underwear brand called Nut Huggers.

During Sunday’s episode, Oliver argued that while some trademark cases may be justified, others appeared to amount to corporate bullying.

Last Week Tonight host John Oliver has launched a parody merchandise line called ‘Buc-Off’, complete with a cartoon squirrel mascot, and is openly daring Buc-ee’s to sue him

‘It turns out Buc-ee’s loves to sue other companies, particularly those with animal mascots,’ Oliver said. He added that some lawsuits made sense, while others seemed ‘ridiculous’ and ‘outright bullying.’

Oliver noted that Buc-ee’s has won many of its legal battles because smaller companies often lack the resources to fight back.

‘And that’s probably because most just don’t have the resources to fight a company this big,’ he said, before referencing a legal expert who warned the company it could eventually encounter an opponent willing and able to stand its ground.

‘It turns out, we very much have the will to get into a fight with Buc-ee’s,’ Oliver said.

To make his point, the comedian unveiled a new range of Buc-Off merchandise featuring the show’s recurring squirrel mascot, Mr. Nutterʙuттer, designed in a style that unmistakably pokes fun at Buc-ee’s branding.

Oliver then directly challenged the chain.

‘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,’ he said.

‘Although, remember, in doing so, you’d be directly taking food out of hungry people’s mouths.’

The limited-edition Buc-Off collection includes a range of merchandise featuring the show’s parody mascot, Mr. Nutterʙuттer, from $2.95 sticker sheets and $15.95 coffee mugs to $16.95 boxer briefs and $27.95 trucker hats

The comedian’s stunt comes after Buc-ee’s filed more than a dozen legal actions against businesses featuring animal logos, including gas stations, apparel companies, convenience stores and even an underwear brand called Nut Huggers

He later added: ‘So at this point, Buc-ee’s, I guess the Beaver Nugget is in your court. The next move is yours.’

The segment concluded on a parody Buc-ee’s-style set complete with a bronze statue of Mr. Nutterʙuттer and a costumed squirrel mascot.

Ironically, Buc-ee’s has already signaled it won’t take the bait.

According to The Dallas Morning News, Buc-ee’s General Counsel Jeff Nadalo said Monday the company does not plan to sue Oliver over the parody merchandise.

The latest spat comes after several years of aggressive trademark enforcement by Buc-ee’s.

Earlier this year, the company sued Ohio convenience store chain Mickey’s over its moose mascot ahead of Buc-ee’s first Ohio opening. The case is still ongoing.

Last year it also pursued legal action against businesses in Florida, South Carolina and Missouri over alleged trademark infringement, while Oklahoma underwear company Nut Huggers vowed to fight back after being sued over its squirrel logo.

Buc-ee’s has argued that many of the disputed logos share key visual elements with its trademarked beaver mascot, including circular backgrounds, similar colors, side-profile animals and expressive eyes.

The company has largely been successful in court, with many smaller businesses choosing to settle rather than face costly legal proceedings.

The latest spat comes after several years of aggressive trademark enforcement by Buc-ee’s

Buc-ee’s has argued that many of the disputed logos share key visual elements with its trademarked beaver mascot

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Following Oliver’s stunt, many viewers appeared delighted to see someone finally challenge Buc-ee’s legal strategy.

On Reddit, one user wrote: ‘I’ll be genuinely surprised if they take the bait.’

Another added: ‘They’d be foolish since this would consтιтute parody/transformative use and, with Mr. Nutterʙuттer as a defendant, totally win.’

A third commented: ‘He has a parody defense and HBO has an army of lawyers. He has nothing to worry about.’

Others suggested Oliver may have deliberately created a no-win situation for Buc-ee’s.

‘The problem is if they don’t it’ll hurt future lawsuits as well. I think they’re screwed whether they do or not,’ one Reddit user wrote.

Another joked: ‘Muahaha the best kinda trap!’

For now, however, it appears Buc-ee’s is opting not to fight – leaving Oliver’s challenge unanswered, and Mr. Nutterʙuттer’s perfect courtroom record intact.

Founded in Texas in 1982, Buc-ee’s has grown into one of America’s most recognizable roadside chains, famous for its enormous travel centers, Beaver Nuggets snacks, barbecue, spotless restrooms and shelves packed with merchandise featuring its smiling beaver mascot.

The chain is now expanding rapidly across the country, with dozens of additional locations planned over the coming years.