Baylor University and Boston University have made substantial progress toward resolving a federal trademark lawsuit over Boston’s use of an interlocking “BU” logo. Baylor must either file an agreement ending the case or provide another settlement update by Oct. 9, 2026. The potential agreement’s terms have not been disclosed.
Baylor filed the lawsuit against Boston University’s trustees on Aug. 8, 2025. The complaint raises claims under the Trademark Act of 1946 involving trademark infringement, unfair competition and false designation of origin. Baylor’s Sept. 9 notice said an update was expected within two weeks, but a later filing indicated the case could not yet be dismissed.
Baylor has used its logo since 1912 and sought federal registration in 1987. Boston University initially objected to that application before the schools agreed both could use “BU.” Boston traditionally placed the letters side by side, while Baylor used an interlocked version. Boston began selling merchandise and club sports jerseys with interlocked letters in 2018.
Baylor contacted Boston in 2021, and the design remained on school-sponsored and licensed items, according to the source. Baylor President Linda Livingstone said trademark and brand protection mattered, though litigation was not the university’s initial goal. Baylor marketing professor Meredith David said the long-standing logos had not caused confusion, but the newer design could cause consumers to confuse merchandise from the schools.
