Baylor Sues Boston University as the “BU” Trademark Feud Reignites
When two universities share the same initials, conflict is almost inevitable. That tension reignited this month when Baylor University filed a federal lawsuit against Boston University, accusing the northeastern school of trademark infringement and unfair competition over the use of an interlocking “BU” logo.
The Dispute: Interlocking vs. Side-by-Side BU
Baylor emphasizes that it does not object to Boston University being called “BU”—after all, the school has been referred to that way for generations. The legal fight centers on Boston University’s alleged adoption of an interlocking “BU” mark that Baylor says is “identical or strikingly similar” to its own federally registered design.
Baylor has used an interlocking “BU” as far back as 1912, securing registrations with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) covering apparel, athletic programs, and educational services. The university calls the design one of its “most recognizable identity designations,” particularly for Baylor athletics, which boasts NCAA titles in women’s and men’s basketball and men’s tennis.
A History of Conflict
This isn’t the first time the two schools have squared off. In the late 1980s, Baylor attempted to register the interlocking logo, but Boston University opposed the application. The dispute ended with a 1988 settlement agreement recognizing both schools’ right to use “BU”—though, according to Baylor, Boston University had previously stuck to a side-by-side logo for athletics in line with the agreement.
That changed, Baylor alleges, when it discovered Boston University hats with an interlocking BU design in 2018. Since then, Baylor claims Boston University has expanded the disputed logo onto T-shirts, mugs, and even club sports uniforms.
The Stakes for Both Schools
Trademark registration grants Baylor significant protections: legal presumption of ownership, exclusive use rights, licensing opportunities, and even anti-counterfeiting safeguards from U.S. Customs. With college athletics fueling lucrative merchandising, Baylor insists the overlap poses real risks of consumer confusion and dilution of its brand.
Boston University, meanwhile, has a storied athletic identity of its own—particularly in men’s hockey, where the Terriers are national champions and NHL talent producers. The school may argue that its use of “BU” is fair, distinct in context (such as for club sports rather than NCAA revenue sports), and consistent with its interpretation of the 1988 agreement.
Possible Defenses and Outcomes
Boston University has several arguments it may raise:
Different Market Contexts – Club sports merchandise is not the same as NCAA D-I athletics licensing.
Fair Use – Consumers are unlikely to believe BU hockey gear refers to Baylor.
Contractual Authority – The 1988 settlement may support its usage.
Timeliness – Baylor may have waited too long to bring claims.
Ultimately, both schools may prefer to settle rather than drag the case through trial. A likely resolution could involve a licensing agreement, with Boston University compensating Baylor for continued use of its interlocking BU design.
Why It Matters
Beyond sports rivalries, this case underscores how trademark law intersects with higher education branding. Universities rely heavily on licensing, merchandising, and logo recognition—not just for athletics revenue but for their broader identity. With dozens of “BU” schools nationwide (Bryant, Bradley, Bellarmine, and others), this battle shows how critical—and complex—it can be to carve out distinctiveness in the trademark arena.
In the end, higher ed may indeed be “big enough for many BUs.” The real question is whether it’s big enough for more than one interlocking BU.