Boston University Faces Lawsuit Over Use of Interlocking ‘BU’ Logo

Boston University might have to rethink its branding after Baylor University filed a lawsuit claiming BU’s interlocking “BU” logo is too similar to its own. The Texas-based Christian university says the logo, used for over a century, is federally protected and now being infringed upon by Boston University’s expanded usage on gear and club sports materials.

Lawsuit

Baylor filed the suit on Friday against the Trustees of Boston University, accusing the school of trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false designation of origin under the Trademark Act of 1946. According to Baylor, the logos are not just similar—they’re confusingly close.

The university claims that while Boston has long used “BU” in text, it is the interlocking version that crosses the legal line. Baylor says it first objected to the logo’s use in 2021, after becoming aware of it in 2018. Since then, Boston University has expanded the logo’s use to merchandise and club sports branding.

Trademark

Baylor has used its interlocking BU logo since 1912 and registered it federally in the 1980s. The school says the logo has become a trusted symbol associated with its identity, quality, and public recognition.

According to the lawsuit, this long-term use has built significant goodwill and brand value. Baylor now argues that Boston University’s growing use of a similar logo threatens to confuse the public and dilute its brand.

School	Logo Use Since	Trademark Registered	Legal Position
Baylor University	1912	1980s	Original owner
Boston University	2010s–2020s	Not federally claimed	Defendant

Response

Boston University has declined to comment on the pending legal case. University spokesperson Colin Riley said that BU does not speak publicly on active legal matters. Baylor, on the other hand, referred inquiries to the official court filings and made no additional comments.

Though BU hasn’t formally responded in court, it may argue that the schools serve different audiences, exist in different regions, and that there’s no real-world confusion.

Scope

The legal dispute specifically targets Boston University’s use of the interlocking BU—not the letters displayed side-by-side. Baylor made it clear in court documents that standard “BU” text is acceptable. The problem arises when the design closely resembles Baylor’s protected logo.

Baylor alleges that BU has recently used the interlocking logo on various apparel items and club sports branding, including for sailing, rugby, cycling, and volleyball. This expanded usage, according to Baylor, was the final push for legal action.

Demands

In its lawsuit, Baylor is asking the court to permanently block Boston University from using the interlocking BU logo. The university also wants BU to destroy any merchandise, signage, or advertising materials that feature the design.

Additionally, Baylor is seeking financial damages to cover the legal expenses it has incurred during the lawsuit.

This case could set a precedent for how colleges navigate brand identities that overlap—especially when initials are as widely shared as “BU.” Whether the court sees these logos as legally distinct or confusingly similar may have a lasting impact on university branding and trademarks.

FAQs