By Tripp Henderson | Staff Writer
Baylor University filed a lawsuit against the Trustees of Boston University Aug. 8, 2025, over the interlocking “BU” logo. Just over a year later, the universities are now nearing a settlement agreement.
President Linda Livingstone told The Lariat that “we are working closely with Boston University on that [lawsuit] and I think we are close to a resolution.”
In Baylor’s initial notice of settlement Sept. 9, the statement said it would update the court in two weeks’ time on the status of the settlement.
On Sep. 23, Baylor’s update read, “While significant progress has been made and Baylor believes the parties are close to finalizing the settlement agreement, they are not yet in a position to dismiss the lawsuit.”
The university has long been known for its iconic “BU” logo, first used in 1912. Baylor applied for federal trademark registration for its logo in 1987. According to Quarles.com, Boston originally opposed the application, but eventually reached a coexistence agreement that gave both schools the right to use the “BU.”
Boston has historically used the “BU” logo side by side, while Baylor used the interlocked version. Still, in 2018 Boston began selling merchandise and branded club sports jerseys with the B and U interlocked.
Baylor recognized this as a breach of agreement and reached out to Boston in 2021. The East Coast school did not respond to Baylor and continued to use the logo on school-sponsored and licensed products.
On Aug. 12, 2025, The Lariat reported that Baylor finally “took legal action against the trustees of Boston University, citing trademark infringement, unfair competition and false designation of origin under the Trademark Act of 1946.”
Livingstone said that while civil litigation was never the intent, the lawsuit is important in defending Baylor’s image.
“We take very seriously protecting our trademarks and our brands,” Livingstone said.
Associate professor of marketing Dr. Meredith David echoed Livingstone’s remarks.
In an email to The Lariat, David said, “It’s very important that Baylor (just like any organization or firm) protect its brand and logo.”
David said that both schools’ logos have been “able to coexist without confusion for ages,” but now that Boston has adopted the interlocking logo as well, that could change.
“It’s likely that consumers will come across both logos (that is, the Baylor and the Boston University interlocking BU logo) in the marketplace and confusion will arise,” David said. “… Consumers might mistake the product for representing Baylor when it’s really Boston University or vice versa.”
Baylor’s latest court update said the university will either file a stipulation of dismissal or inform the court of the settlement’s status by Oct. 9, 2026.
