Art Guidelines for Internal Purchases

Introduction to the Boston University Logo Use Guidelines

The Boston University Logo Use Guidelines are divided into three categories: Athletic, University, and Interlocked BU marks. This distinction is essential to maintain the integrity and appropriate use of our brand across various applications.

Athletic Marks

Athletic marks are designed to represent Boston University’s Athletic programs and teams. These marks include logos, mascots, and wordmarks that are prominently used in Athletic events, team uniforms, and related merchandise. Unless approved by the University for use in a Name Drop Option, Athletic marks cannot be used for internal use, including internal use on items sold to individuals.

University Marks

University marks represent Boston University as an academic institution. These marks include the official seal, academic logos, and other identifiers used in academic publications, official documents, and general University merchandise. University marks are intended for use in non-athletic contexts, emphasizing the University’s institutional identity.

Interlocked BU Marks

Interlocked BU marks provide licensed vendors with the ability to identify Boston University on their merchandise without using the official BU Athletic or University marks. These marks are only used for retail and cannot be used for internal use, including internal use on items sold to individuals.

Name Drop Options

For both Athletic and University marks, there are specific designs that include “name drop” options. These options allow for customization by adding specific department, program, or other identifiers to the base mark. Samples of these marks are included in this art sheet. All other versions of these name drop options are available in the digital library, accessible to authorized users from Boston University. If a name drop option is not currently available, contact the University. Licensed vendors are not allowed to create additional name drop options.

Athletic and University marks cannot be combined in a single item. By adhering to the guidelines outlined in this art sheet, the Boston University brand is represented consistently and appropriately across all platforms and materials.

General Guidelines

These guidelines apply to all BU marks, both Athletic and University, along with the Athletic or University specific guidelines below.

  1. Any use of BOSTON must include UNIVERSITY in the design or elsewhere on the item unless referencing physical location.
  2. Any use of TERRIERS must be used with BOSTON UNIVERSITY in the design or elsewhere on the item. BOSTON TERRIERS is not permitted.
  3. BOSTON U is not permitted except when required by the NCAA. Always use BOSTON UNIVERSITY.
  4. Do not change text within marks. If text changes are needed contact the University.
  5. No altering, overlapping, or cutting off of marks or portions of marks is allowed. Adding elements to as well as immediately above or below marks is not allowed.
  6. Avoid the use of maroon and crimson apparel and hard goods with all marks. Area schools Boston College and Harvard University use these as their primary colors. Red, neutral tones, navy, charcoal, and gray are encouraged.
  7. The trademark (TM) symbol is required for all royalty bearing items including internal items sold to individuals. Only one TM symbol is allowed per hit. Preference is to place the TM after the text BOSTON UNIVERSITY or BOSTON UNIVERSITY TERRIERS. Remove all other TM marks in design. If using multiple University marks without text, place the TM mark with the primary element and remove from all other marks.
  8. The trademark (TM) symbol is not used on royalty waived items produced for internal use not sold to individuals.
  9. The trademark (TM) symbol may be embroidered in a thread color matching the base fabric on embroidered headwear.
  10. Mascot caricatures are permitted but artwork and use must be approved in advance by the University.
  11. For items sold at the BU Campus Store, repeated use of the same design on multiple items must be approved in advance by the BU Campus Store.
  12. Consumables, health, and beauty products must include an expiration date on the packaging.
  13. Use of University marks is not allowed on products related to or referencing alcohol, drugs, gambling, or tobacco.
  14. Any reorders must be submitted for approval into Workspace prior to production.

Athletic Mark Specific Guidelines

Applies to all athletic marks in addition to the General Guidelines above.

  1. All text within Athletic marks is Yearbook Solid. Any use of “BU” in designs must be in a font that is not similar to Yearbook Solid to differentiate from Athletic marks.
  2. Athletic marks are not allowed to be used on black apparel. Boston University colors are red and white. Black, especially red and black, are avoided to differentiate from Northeastern University. Use of black design elements, including text, should be minimized and only used when necessary for the integrity of the design. Red 186C, gray 5C and gray 11C are allowed and encouraged in designs. Red 187C may be used as an accent color only. This only applies to Athletic marks, not text only designs or University marks.
  3. The Block BU with Rhett mark may be used as a stand-alone mark without using BOSTON UNIVERSITY in the design or elsewhere on the item.
  4. The Arched BOSTON mark can only be used for replica/official jerseys and may be used without BOSTON UNIVERSITY in the design or elsewhere on the item.
  5. The stand-alone Rhett mark can only be used as a stand-alone mark for orders by the BU Campus Store. All other use must include BOSTON UNIVERSITY in the design or elsewhere on the item.
  6. Any use of marks that include a text bar (Block BU with Rhett, Block BU, Arched BOSTON over UNIVERSITY with Rhett, and Arched BOSTON over UNIVERSITY) must provide adequate white space of at least twice the height of the text bar on all sides of the mark.
  7. Any mark that includes an Athletic mark combined with a Boston University School or College name is considered an Athletic mark and must follow Athletic Mark Guidelines.

Academic/University Mark Specific Guidelines

Applies to all university marks in addition to the General Guidelines above.

  1. School and College name text used with the BU Icon or Boston University Master Plate is Whitney. Any use of “BU” and “BOSTON UNIVERSITY” in a design must be in a font that is not similar to Whitney to differentiate from University marks.
  2. Any use of University marks (BU Icon and University Master Plate with Sub-brand) must provide adequate white space for the mark of an area on all sides equal to the height of the mark.
  3. The BU Icon may not be used as a stand-alone mark. It can only be used as part of an authorized sub brand mark produced by the University.

Interlocked BU Mark Specific Guidelines

Applies to the Interlocked BU marks in addition to the General Guidelines above

  1. The Interlocked BU mark can only be used as a standalone mark for orders by the BU Campus Store. All other use must include BOSTON UNIVERSITY in the design or elsewhere on the item.
  2. The Interlocked BU mark is not allowed to be used on any NCAA or multi-institution design.
  3. The Interlocked BU mark can only be used with prior permission from the University.