Yellowstone’ creator sues series star as show approaches finale
‘Yellowstone’ Creator Files Lawsuit Against Series Star as Show Approaches Finale
Renowned writer and creator of the hit series “Yellowstone,” Taylor Sheridan, has taken legal action against actor Cole Hauser’s coffee company for alleged trademark infringement. The lawsuit claims that Hauser’s newly launched Free Rein Coffee Company has a logo that closely resembles Sheridan’s own coffee brand, Bosque Ranch Craft Coffee.
Hauser, who plays the character Rip Wheeler on the show, recently partnered with a Texas-based coffee company to introduce Free Rein Coffee Company. The brand aims to capture the essence of the West, a spirit that Hauser has come to appreciate during his time on Sheridan’s show.
In an Instagram ad, Hauser unveiled his coffee company, featuring prominently on Free Rein’s website. However, Sheridan argues that the overlapping letters in Free Rein’s logo, “F” and “R,” bear a striking resemblance to the overlapping “B” and “R” in Bosque Ranch’s logo.
Sheridan’s lawsuit, filed in the Northern District of Texas, accuses Hauser’s brand of potentially misleading consumers with a logo that is confusingly similar to Bosque Ranch’s registered trademark. The lawsuit also claims that Hauser and his associates did not seek permission from Sheridan or Bosque Ranch to use a similar mark for identical goods.
Sheridan’s company is seeking a jury trial and requesting that Free Rein immediately cease using its logo and destroy any products featuring it. Additionally, Bosque Ranch is seeking compensatory damages for past infringement and wants Free Rein to cover its legal fees.
Meanwhile, tensions have reportedly been brewing between “Yellowstone” star Kevin Costner and Sheridan for over a year. The show’s fifth season premiered in November but went on hiatus in January due to conflicts between the creator and lead actor. The release of the second half of the season, as well as the final season, has been further delayed by the 2023 writer’s strike.
As a result, “Yellowstone” is not expected to air its final episodes until late 2024. The show’s prolonged production and legal disputes have added to the anticipation surrounding its conclusion.
Read more: ‘Yellowstone’ Creator Slaps Series Star with Lawsuit as Show Nears End
Source: The Western Journal
How could Hauser’s use of a similar logo potentially harm the reputation and goodwill of Sheridan’s brand?
Ce Free Rein Coffee Company. The company’s logo features a silhouette of a cowboy on a horse, which Sheridan claims is a clear mimicry of his own brand’s logo, which also features a cowboy on a horse.
The lawsuit alleges that Hauser’s use of a similar logo is likely to cause confusion among consumers and could potentially harm the reputation and goodwill that Sheridan’s brand has built over the years. Furthermore, the complaint argues that Hauser’s actions could potentially lead to a false association between the two brands, which could result in Sheridan’s fans mistakenly purchasing Hauser’s coffee brand instead of his own.
In addition to the trademark infringement claim, the lawsuit also alleges unfair competition and unjust enrichment on Hauser’s part. Sheridan’s legal team argues that the actor’s use of a similar logo is a deliberate attempt to cash in on the success of “Yellowstone” and its affiliated brands, including Bosque Ranch Craft Coffee. The complaint also suggests that Hauser’s actions are a clear violation of trade dress and intellectual property rights.
As the hit series “Yellowstone” approaches its highly anticipated finale, the timing of this legal action is notable. The show has gained a large and dedicated fan base, and the success of the series has led to a range of merchandise and spin-off projects. Sheridan’s brand, Bosque Ranch Craft Coffee, became a notable part of the show’s universe, with its products prominently featured and endorsed by the characters.
Sheridan, who is not only the creator of “Yellowstone” but also an accomplished screenwriter and director, has built a reputation for his attention to detail and dedication to authenticity. The lawsuit reflects his commitment to protecting his brand’s identity and ensuring that it remains distinct in the market.
Hauser, on the other hand, has yet to publicly respond to the lawsuit. It remains to be seen how he will address the allegations and whether he will make any changes to the Free Rein Coffee Company’s branding. As the legal battle unfolds, fans of “Yellowstone” and followers of the two brands will likely be watching closely to see how this dispute is resolved.
Trademark infringement disputes are not uncommon in the entertainment industry, particularly when it comes to merchandise and brand extensions. As creators and actors look for opportunities to capitalize on the success of their projects, conflicts can arise when similar ideas or designs are used. Resolving these disputes often requires a careful examination of the specific details and circumstances surrounding the case.
In the case of Taylor Sheridan’s lawsuit against Cole Hauser’s coffee company, the legal battle will likely focus on whether Hauser’s logo can be considered a clear imitation of Sheridan’s brand. Both parties will need to present evidence and arguments to support their claims, and a court will ultimately decide whether trademark infringement has occurred.
Regardless of the outcome of the lawsuit, this dispute serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting intellectual property rights in the entertainment industry. Creators, actors, and brands must be vigilant in defending their trademarks to maintain their market position and ensure that their hard work and creativity are not unfairly exploited.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...