Boston University might have to stop using ‘BU’ logo following lawsuit
What does BU stand for? A Christian university in Texas insists that it's Baylor University and no other — at least when the B and the U are interlocking.
Baylor University opened a lawsuit on Friday against the Trustees of Boston University, stating that Boston University's interlocking BU logo is "essentially identical and/or confusingly similar" to Baylor's logo, which the university says is federally registered.
Baylor University's interlocking B and U logo.Court documents
In the lawsuit, Baylor says that Boston University has refused to stop using the logo and "instead significantly expanded its use," which Baylor said led it to file the suit.
"This is an action for trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false designation of origin under the Trademark Act of 1946," the lawsuit states.
Boston University spokesperson Colin Riley declined to comment on the lawsuit, stating the university doesn't comment on pending or potential legal matters. Lori Fogleman, a Baylor University spokesperson, referred MassLive to its complaint and declined to comment further.
As part of its lawsuit, Baylor submitted its trademark principal register of its logo of an interlocking B and U that sometimes used on Boston University gear.
The documents claim that Baylor has been using the logo since 1912 and that it was registered with the United States as a trademark in the 1980s.
"As a result of Baylor's long and extensive use of the interlocking BU, Baylor has developed an enormous amount of goodwill, public recognition, and strong rights in those marks, which consumers have come to know and trust as symbols of quality," the lawsuit states.
Both Boston University and Baylor University were established in the mid-19th century, with Baylor starting in 1845 and Boston officially being chartered in 1869, though it had origins in a Vermont seminary school established 30 years earlier.
Baylor wrote that Boston University's use of a BU logo with the letters side-by-side is OK.
Baylor became aware of Boston University's use of the interlocking logo in 2018 and communicated its objection in 2021, according to the lawsuit.
However, Boston University has since expanded its use of the logo to apparel on its website and in connection with its club sports, including women's rugby, sailing, men's volleyball and cycling, the lawsuit states.
Baylor is asking the court to permanently stop Boston University from using the interlocking B and U as a logo and to destroy all goods, advertisements, signs and packaging featuring the logo.
They are also asking for money to pay for the costs of their lawsuit.
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