A legal battle has erupted between Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan and show star Cole Hauser, extending to the realm of trademark infringement. Sheridan’s facility, Bosque Ranch, which serves as a filming location for the hit show and its prequels, has filed a lawsuit against Hauser’s coffee company, Free Rein, alleging trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising.
According to documents obtained by People, the lawsuit asserts that both companies utilize similar branding marks with intersecting letters, leading to confusion among consumers. Bosque Ranch alleges that Hauser’s business did not seek authorization to use a mark resembling the BR Brand for nearly identical goods.
Hauser announced the launch of Free Rein coffee in October, emphasizing its inspiration drawn from the American Dream. However, Bosque Ranch contends that the actor’s company unlawfully adopted branding elements resembling their own without permission.
Representatives for both Sheridan and Hauser have been contacted for comment, but there has been no response as of yet.
Bosque Ranch had previously partnered with Community Coffee to develop blends reflecting the spirit of the cowboy. Their collaboration aimed to deliver rich, expertly roasted coffee, leveraging Community Coffee’s extensive experience in the industry.
As the legal dispute unfolds, attention remains focused on the clash between Sheridan’s production facility and Hauser’s coffee venture. The outcome of the lawsuit will determine the extent of trademark protection and the repercussions for unauthorized use of branding elements.
