‘Yellowstone’ Creator Taylor Sheridan’s Coffee Company Sues Series Star Cole Hauser Over Rival Java Brand

In October, Cole Hauser, the actor who plays Rip Wheeler on Yellowstone, launched a coffee brand, Free Rein Coffee Company. Now, his company is being sued by none other than the coffee company started by Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan, Bosque Ranch Craft Coffee.

On November 21, Bosque Ranch filed a lawsuit against Free Rein in the Northern District of Texas.

This filing accused Free Rein of infringing on its trademark, competing unfairly and false advertising.

“Neither Hauser nor the Defendants asked or received permission or authorization of Sheridan or Bosque Ranch to use a mark confusingly similar to the BR Brand for virtually identical goods,” the lawsuit claims.

Before it launched, the company released a statement indicating that Hauser’s brand was created as a nod to the West’s rugged atmosphere.

It was also mentioned that the brand would offer homage to the diligent cowboys that the actor grew up around, both on and off set.

The brand’s small-batch facility is located in San Angelo, Texas. It was roasting coffee beans for more than 25 years before Hauser purchased it.

Hauser said in a statement about his company: “With Free Rein, we’re not only crafting a premium coffee experience but also paying a heartfelt homage to the American Dream. As a nation built on dreams and aspirations, we want to inspire the go-getters, the dreamers, and the believers to fuel their pursuits. 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!”

Sheridan may have bigger problems on his hands, though.

Series star Kevin Costner left Yellowstone to focus on his new epic western film, Horizon: An American Saga, which has three sequels that have been greenlit, and Yellowstone is set to end.

Despite its massive popularity, Yellowstone did not receive any Emmy Award nominations this year.