Cole Hauser’s Coffee Brand Faces Trademark Lawsuit from ‘Yellowstone’ Creator Taylor Sheridan
In November 2023, Yellowstone actor Cole Hauser and the show’s creator, Taylor Sheridan, found themselves on opposing sides of a legal custody dispute. Sheridan’s company, Bosque Ranch, filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Hauser’s coffee brand, Free Rein Coffee Company. The dispute, although brief, drew significant attention due to the high-profile nature of those involved.
Reason Of Dispute
Trademark Infringement Allegations
Sheridan’s company, Bosque Ranch, claimed that:
- Free Rein Coffee’s logo bore a striking resemblance to the Bosque Ranch logo, which features intertwined letters.
- The similarity could mislead consumers into thinking the two brands were affiliated.
- The lawsuit accused Free Rein of trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising.
This legal move was an attempt by Sheridan to protect Bosque Ranch’s brand identity and prevent potential market confusion.
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Cole Hauser’s Response
Despite the lawsuit, Cole Hauser remained unfazed. He continued to promote Free Rein Coffee actively.
On December 6, 2023, Hauser posted a photo on social media with the caption:
“Morning cruise @freereincoffeecompany, get up and get after it!”
This move was seen by many as a show of confidence in his brand amidst the legal tension.
Case Dismissed, Swift Resolution
On December 20, 2023, the lawsuit took an unexpected turn:
- Sheridan’s legal team voluntarily dismissed the case.
- The dismissal prevented Bosque Ranch from pursuing similar claims in the future.
- No details were disclosed about the reasons behind the sudden dismissal.
The quick resolution suggested both parties wanted to avoid prolonged conflict.
Professional Relationship Remains Strong
Despite the lawsuit, Hauser and Sheridan’s professional relationship appears unaffected:
- Hauser praised Sheridan’s creative work in interviews.
- He hinted at possible Yellowstone spinoffs, including a potential Rip Wheeler and Beth Dutton series.
This indicates that personal and professional respect remains intact between the two.
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FAQs
What was the Cole Hauser lawsuit about?
The lawsuit involved trademark infringement allegations made by Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan’s company, Bosque Ranch, against Cole Hauser’s coffee brand, Free Rein Coffee Company. Bosque Ranch claimed that Free Rein’s logo was too similar to its own, potentially causing confusion among consumers.
Who filed the lawsuit on Cole Hauser?
The lawsuit was filed by Taylor Sheridan’s company, Bosque Ranch, in November 2023.
Why did Bosque Ranch sue Free Rein Coffee Company?
Bosque Ranch alleged that Free Rein Coffee’s logo resembled its own trademarked logo. The lawsuit accused Free Rein of trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising due to the similarities between the two logos.
How did Cole Hauser respond to the lawsuit?
Cole Hauser remained calm and continued to promote his coffee brand, Free Rein Coffee, on social media. On December 6, 2023, he posted a photo enjoying his coffee, signaling confidence in his brand.
What was the outcome of the lawsuit?
On December 20, 2023, the lawsuit was voluntarily dismissed by Taylor Sheridan’s legal team. This dismissal meant Bosque Ranch could not pursue similar claims against Free Rein Coffee in the future.
Did the lawsuit affect Cole Hauser and Taylor Sheridan’s professional relationship?
No. Despite the legal dispute, both Hauser and Sheridan appeared to maintain a positive professional relationship. Hauser continued to speak positively about Sheridan’s creative direction and even hinted at possible spinoffs involving his character, Rip Wheeler.
What is Free Rein Coffee Company?
Free Rein Coffee Company is a coffee brand owned by Cole Hauser. The brand promotes a rugged, Western-inspired lifestyle, which resonates with fans of Hauser’s Yellowstone character, Rip Wheeler.
What is Bosque Ranch?
Bosque Ranch is a business owned by Taylor Sheridan, which includes Western-themed ventures such as ranching, production, and branded merchandise. The company has a registered trademark for its distinctive logo.
Why was the lawsuit dismissed?
The exact reasons for the dismissal were not disclosed. However, it is speculated that both parties wished to avoid a lengthy legal dispute and move forward amicably.
Did Free Rein Coffee change its logo after the lawsuit?
No public information suggests that Free Rein Coffee changed its logo after the lawsuit. The company continued its branding and operations as usual.
Key Takeaways
- Trademark Protection: The case highlights the importance of protecting brand identity in business ventures.
- Quick Resolution: The legal matter was resolved within a month, avoiding long-term fallout.
- On-Screen Unity: Despite off-screen disputes, Hauser and Sheridan remain committed to delivering quality content for Yellowstone fans.