HUBER HEIGHTS, Ohio — As public support continues to grow for a Beavercreek convenience store being sued by Buc-ee’s over trademark claims, Huber Heights Mayor Jeff Gore has shared what he says is the other side of the story following a conversation with Buc-ee’s founder and owner, Arch “Beaver” Aplin III.
In a social media post Thursday, Gore said Aplin contacted him directly to explain Buc-ee’s position in the federal trademark lawsuit involving BeaverMart, a Beavercreek convenience store owned by Vik (last name not provided).
According to the mayor, Aplin said Buc-ee’s did not object to BeaverMart operating under that name as a single local business in Beavercreek. Instead, the dispute centers on BeaverMart’s application for a federal trademark, which Buc-ee’s claims could have allowed the brand to expand nationwide under a name and branding the company believes infringes on its own trademark.
Gore said Aplin told him the trademark application was filed several months after Buc-ee’s publicly announced plans to build its first Ohio location in Huber Heights.
According to the mayor, Buc-ee’s attempted to resolve the matter without litigation by sending emails and certified letters to BeaverMart, but said the company never received a response.
Gore also said Aplin indicated Buc-ee’s would be willing to dismiss the lawsuit if BeaverMart withdrew its federal trademark application.
Following his conversation with Aplin, Gore connected him with WHIO’s James Brown, who aired an interview with the Buc-ee’s owner Thursday night.
The mayor also questioned the timing of BeaverMart’s response, alleging that a representative for the business contacted Buc-ee’s attorneys only after Aplin’s interview aired and after a GoFundMe campaign had reportedly raised approximately $40,000 to help cover legal expenses.
Gore emphasized that his comments were based solely on his conversation with Aplin and noted that he had not spoken with BeaverMart owner Vik to hear his perspective.
The trademark dispute has generated widespread attention across Ohio, with many residents rallying behind the locally owned BeaverMart while others argue that trademark protections are necessary regardless of a company’s size.
The federal lawsuit remains pending, and the allegations made by both sides have not been decided by the court.
