Taylor Sheridan, creator of Yellowstone, filed a lawsuit against actor Cole Hauser’s coffee brand, Free Rein Coffee Company, in November 2023.
The lawsuit, filed by Sheridan’s company, Bosque Ranch, accused Hauser’s brand of trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false advertising.
The legal dispute centered around similarities in the logos of Bosque Ranch and Free Rein.
Bosque Ranch’s logo features intertwined “B” and “R” letters, while Free Rein used a similar design with “F” and “R” letters.
Bosque Ranch claimed that these similarities could confuse consumers into thinking the two brands were related.
Hauser launched Free Rein Coffee in October 2023, just months after Bosque Ranch introduced its own coffee line in partnership with Community Coffee.
The timing and design similarities prompted Bosque Ranch to seek a permanent injunction against Hauser’s brand and compensation for damages.
Hauser continued to promote his coffee brand on social media, despite the pending lawsuit at the time.
In a November 2023 Instagram post, Hauser encouraged followers with the caption: “Morning cruise @freereincoffeecompany get up and get after it!”
In early 2024, Bosque Ranch voluntarily dismissed the lawsuit.
The reasons for the dismissal were not disclosed.
The Yellowstone series has faced several issues this year, including cast conflicts and production delays.
Kevin Costner, who played John Dutton, exited after the first half of Season 5.
He later revealed that the show’s production was delayed due to an absence of scripts.