Buc-ee’s accuses Lowcountry business of copyright infringement in new lawsuit

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – Buc-ee’s, a popular travel center that offers gas, food, and merchandise in a one-stop shop, has filed a lawsuit against a Lowcountry apparel company claiming copyright infringement.

A lawsuit filed last month by the Texas-based convenience store chain said that local company Born United used its Buc-ee’s trademark on a variety of clothing, including shirts and shorts.

“Buc-ee’s has not granted a license or any other form of permission to Defendant with respect to any of its trademarks or other intellectual property. Despite receiving a cease-and-desist letter from Plaintiff, Plaintiff is informed and believes that Defendant continued to sell infringing goods,” the lawsuit stated.

According to the lawsuit, Born United sells clothing and other merchandise through its storefront, online, and to third-party shops.

“Defendant’s slavish copying of the Buc-ee’s Marks and continued sale of the infringing products even after receiving the cease-and-desist letter demonstrates willful infringement and bad faith conduct designed to capitalize on Plaintiff’s established goodwill and reputation,” the suit added.

News 2 reached out to Born United for comment Monday afternoon. We have not heard back.

Meanwhile, Buc-ee’s filed a similar complaint against a Florida-based company over knockoff merchandise that portrayed the trademark beaver with a punk rock makeover, or wearing what appears to be horns.

Buc-ee’s currently operates two locations in South Carolina — one off I-85 in Anderson County and another along I-95 in Florence County. A third location is planned off I-95 near the South Carolina-Georgia border.