Baylor University and Boston University are nearing a settlement in a federal trademark lawsuit tied to Boston’s use of an interlocking "BU" logo. Baylor filed the case against Boston University’s trustees on Aug. 8, 2025, alleging trademark infringement, unfair competition and false designation of origin under the Trademark Act of 1946.
Baylor President Linda Livingstone told baylorlariat.com that the universities are working together toward a resolution. Baylor notified the court Sept. 9 that it expected to provide an update within two weeks, but its Sept. 23 filing said the case was not ready for dismissal even though the parties had made substantial progress.
The latest court filing says Baylor will either submit an agreement dismissing the lawsuit or provide another update on the settlement by Oct. 9, 2026. The terms of a potential settlement were not provided.
Baylor has used its well-known logo since 1912 and sought federal trademark registration in 1987. According to the source, Boston University initially challenged that application before the schools reached an agreement allowing both institutions to use the letters "BU."
Boston historically displayed the letters next to each other, while Baylor used an interlocked design. In 2018, Boston began offering merchandise and club sports jerseys featuring interlocked letters. Baylor contacted Boston in 2021, but the source said Boston continued using the design on school-sponsored and licensed products.
