Baylor University Sues Boston University Over Interlocking ‘BU’ Logo
Baylor University has filed a trademark infringement lawsuit against Boston University, alleging the school is using an “interlocking BU” design that is confusingly similar to Baylor’s long-standing logo.
In its complaint, filed in federal court, Baylor emphasizes that the case is “relatively limited in scope,” noting it does not generally object to Boston University’s use of the initials “BU.” Instead, the dispute centers on a specific interlocking letter design Baylor claims to have used since at least 1912. The Texas-based university says it licenses the mark extensively for apparel and accessories.
According to the lawsuit, Boston University has traditionally used “BU” with the letters side-by-side — a style to which Baylor has no objection. But Baylor says trouble began in 2018, when it discovered Boston University was selling hats featuring an interlocking BU logo at its campus bookstore. Baylor objected in 2021, but alleges Boston University has since expanded use of the design to merchandise, signage, and promotional materials for several club sports, including rugby, sailing, volleyball, and cycling.
Acceptable vs Unacceptable Uses of BU for Boston University
Examples of Unacceptable Logo on Merchandise Sold by Boston University
The two schools are no strangers to trademark disputes. In 1987, Baylor applied to register its interlocking BU mark for clothing, prompting Boston University to oppose the application. The matter was resolved in 1988 with a coexistence agreement outlining how each could use the “BU” designation. Baylor contends Boston University’s current design violates that agreement.
The lawsuit seeks a permanent injunction barring Boston University from using the interlocking BU logo, the destruction of goods and materials bearing the design, and monetary damages.
One of the most interesting aspects of this case is the long history of coexistence between Baylor and Boston University. Both schools have used “BU” for decades, and both have done so without significant public confusion. If Baylor’s version of the story is to be believed, this successful coexistence was in large part because their logos and visual branding were different enough to avoid a head-on conflict.
Ultimately, I do expect Baylor University’s lawsuit to likely result in Boston University changing its logo back to the “side by side” version of the BU. The interlocking design created and adopted by Boston University does simply look very similar to Baylor’s logo.
That’s not to say Boston University doesn’t have defenses. They can point to the decades of peaceful coexistence, the fact that the schools operate in very different parts of the country, and the low likelihood that an ‘average consumer’ of each University’s goods and services would not confuse the two.
The next step in this case would be for Boston University to file an Answer with any counterclaims. The deadline to file an Answer would likely be 60 days (presuming Boston University waived the service requirement).
Josh Gerben, Esq.
Josh Gerben, Esq. is a nationally recognized trademark attorney and the founder of Gerben IP. Since launching the firm in 2008, he has overseen the registration of over 10,000 trademarks and handled over 1,500 trademark disputes. Josh's practice focuses on building and defending global trademark portfolios for clients. These clients include entrepreneurs, private equity-backed businesses, athletes, celebrities, and public companies. Frequently quoted by major media outlets like CNBC, CNN, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal, Josh is widely regarded as a leading authority in trademark law.
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