Baylor Files Federal Trademark Lawsuit Against Boston University Over ‘BU’ Logo

Baylor University has filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Boston University over the use of a specific interlocking "BU" logo that Baylor claims infringes on its historic trademark rights. Baylor asserts that it has used an interlocking BU design since as early as 1912, which is federally registered and widely recognized, including on athletic uniforms and licensed merchandise. The lawsuit highlights a 1988 coexistence agreement allowing both universities to use "BU" initials but prohibits Boston University from using an identical interlocking design. Baylor discovered Boston University began using the contested interlocking logo in 2018 on various campus store products and alleges that the usage has since expanded. The suit seeks to permanently enjoin Boston University from using the interlocking BU mark or any confusingly similar design, emphasizing the potential harm to Baylor's brand goodwill. Both universities have strong athletic traditions, with Baylor excelling in basketball and tennis and Boston University known for its men's hockey program.