Since its launch in November of 2012, the distinctive “B” logo has graphically represented the university brand on everything from the website, to merchandise and marketing, to “B” Plaza on campus. Now, Boise State University’s iconic “B” logo is registered as a federal trademark. With this new registration, the university’s most recognizable graphic is further protected from trademark infringement.
“Obtaining this trademark registration for the “B” logo is a huge step forward for our brand protection efforts at the university,” said Spencer Jahn, trademark licensing specialist. “The “B” is one of our most distinguishable symbols and a pillar to our universities graphic identity. Adding this mark to our portfolio of federal trademarks gives the university a greater level of enforcement rights throughout the country and will amplify the reach of our brand.”
The Trademark and Licensing department within the Office of Communications and Marketing led the complex process of obtaining a federal trademark from the United States Patent and Trademark Office. This distinction represents several years of detailed work and the “B” joins 21 other federal trademark registrations held by the university.
Among many benefits, registering a trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office creates rights throughout the entire United States and its territories, allowing organizations to protect their trademark from infringing users as business extends across state lines. The mark will also be included in the office’s publicly accessible database of registered trademarks.