‘Yellowstone’ Actor Cole Hauser’s Coffee Company Sued By Show’s Creator
on Dec 04, 2023
Yellowstone actor Cole Hauser’s new business venture is facing a lawsuit from the ranch of Yellowstone creator, Taylor Sheridan.
The lawsuit is the latest in a series of events affecting the hit television series’ cast. From Kevin Costner’s divorce and sudden exit from the show to the SAG-AFTRA strike, Yellowstone has had more than its fair share of drama surrounding its fifth and final season.
One of the show’s biggest stars, Cole Hauser, who stars as cowboy Rip Wheeler, announced the launch of a coffee company earlier this year while on hiatus from Yellowstone. The cowboy-inspired brew pays homage to the American Dream, per Hauser.
“As a nation built on dreams and aspirations, we want to inspire the go-getters, the dreamers, and the believers to fuel their pursuits,” Hauser said of his new brand, Free Rein Coffee. “Just as the American Dream knows no boundaries, we aim to exceed expectations and create a legacy of our own—one that is deeply connected to our roots and the core values that shaped us. I am so excited for everyone to finally have their hands on this coffee!”
The brand officially launched in mid-October and offers unique coffee blends “crafted to embody the spirit of the American West, capturing the essence of open horizons, untamed landscapes, and the bold determination of pioneers who charge hard, wherever they may lead them. The flavors kick and bite, but always go down smooth. Each cup serves to fuel whatever dream you’re chasing, be it gold and glory, or just a little slice of the world to call your own.”
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Within weeks of the launch of Free Rein Coffee the brand was handed a lawsuit from Bosque Ranch, the Texas property owned by Yellowstone creator, Taylor Sheridan.
Records indicate that Bosque Ranch is suing Free Rein Coffee for trademark infringement, citing unfair competition and false advertising.
San Angelo Live reported that the suit claims that Free Rein uses “a brand mark strikingly similar to Bosque Ranch’s registered trademark, potentially misleading consumers.” In addition, Sheridan’s ranch recently partnered with Community Coffee to launch their own western-inspired coffee called Bosque Ranch Craft Coffee.
“Bosque Ranch Headquarters LLC is seeking permanent injunctive relief, damages, and profits from the defendants under both the Lanham Act and Texas law for the alleged infringement,” San Angelo Live reports.
Taylor Sheridan and Cole Hauser aren’t the only Yellowstone alums to jump on the coffee train. Kevin Costner recently partnered with Green Mountain Coffee Roasters. Through the partnership, Costner will develop an entire series of coffee releases. The first of those is the Horizon Blend that will be available for purchase on Keurig.com starting December 18.
Cole Hauser is scheduled to return to the set of Yellowstone in the spring of 2024 to film the final episodes of the series. It is unclear if his role or the future of the show will be affected by the lawsuit.
