Baylor University logo (left) and Boston University logo (right).
Baylor University logo (left) and Boston University logo (right). Baylor Sues Boston University Over ‘Essentially Identical’ BU Logo

WACO, Texas (Aug. 11, 2025) — Baylor University filed a lawsuit Monday in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas against Boston University, alleging trademark infringement over a stylized "interlocking BU" logo that Baylor says is "essentially identical and/or confusingly similar" to its own.

Baylor, a private Christian institution in Waco, has used its interlocking logo since 1912 and secured federal trademark protection in 1988. Under a 1988 coexistence agreement, the two schools agreed to share the "BU" initials while maintaining distinct logo styles. Baylor contends that Boston University complied for decades by using side-by-side "BU" designs—then, beginning in 2018, expanded use of an interlocking version, including sales of hats, merchandise, and branding for club sports since 2021.

The lawsuit accuses Boston University of trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false designation of origin under federal and Texas law. Baylor seeks a court order prohibiting BU from using the disputed design, destroying infringing materials across all platforms, and recovering legal costs and interest.

"Defendant's unauthorized use of an interlocking BU mark is likely to cause confusion ... as to some affiliation ... with Baylor," the university's complaint states.

Boston University has declined to comment on the pending litigation, while Baylor referred inquiries to the court filings.

Why It Matters

  • Brand Reputation: Baylor holds its interlocking logo as one of its oldest and most recognized marks, used on everything from athletic gear to merchandise.
  • Market Confusion: With similar look and feel—aside from Baylor's green-and-gold and BU's red-and-white palettes—Baylor argues the logos can easily mislead consumers.
  • Higher Ed Copyright Disputes: The lawsuit is a rare example of a trademark dispute between major U.S. universities.

Baylor is scheduled to seek a permanent injunction and destruction of any existing infringing items. Boston University must respond to the suit within 30 days. The case may set a precedent for brand protection among institutions with overlapping acronyms.