Taylor Sheridan, the creator of the popular TV show 'Yellowstone', has filed a lawsuit against Cole Hauser, one of the show's stars, over a dispute involving their respective coffee brands. Sheridan's company, Bosque Ranch, has accused Hauser's company, Free Rein, of trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising. The lawsuit alleges that the logo of Free Rein is too similar to the registered trademark of Bosque Ranch, which could potentially lead to customer confusion.
Both logos are inspired by cattle brands and fall into a western-adjacent logosphere. The Bosque Ranch logo features intertwined letters 'BR', while the Free Rein logo uses 'FR'. The similarity between the two logos has led to this legal dispute. The Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association has a guide on how to read/design cattle brands to avoid such trademark disputes.
The lawsuit seeks a jury trial, profit restitution, and the destruction of all products with the infringing logo. Bosque Ranch is also seeking a permanent injunction against Free Rein using the disputed logo. This brewing legal battle adds to the drama surrounding the show, which has also faced delays and a child support dispute involving actor Kevin Costner.
Hauser, who plays the role of ranch foreman Rip Wheeler on 'Yellowstone', launched Free Rein as a Western-inspired brand. The legal battle between the two Yellowstone associates has caught the attention of fans and the media alike, adding a real-world twist to the on-screen drama.
