Texas A&M Demands Islamic ‘University’ Cease Use of Similar Logos, Trademarks
May 11, 2026 – Texas A&M University System has formally demanded that a North Texas Islamic educational group stop using the name “TexAM University,” escalating a dispute that now involves both trademark concerns and state regulatory action.
In a cease-and-desist letter issued Friday, system officials said the Richardson-based entity’s use of names such as “TexAM,” “Texas AM University,” and similar branding infringes on Texas A&M trademarks and risks misleading the public. The university system argues that the naming could falsely imply an affiliation with the flagship institution, Texas A&M University, one of the largest and most recognizable public universities in the state.
The dispute comes on the heels of a separate enforcement action by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, which last week ordered the organization to immediately cease operations. State officials allege the entity was offering higher education programs without proper authorization, a violation of Texas law governing postsecondary institutions.
According to the Coordinating Board, institutions operating in Texas must receive approval before granting degrees or marketing themselves as universities. Failure to comply can result in shutdown orders and potential legal penalties. The board’s action effectively halted the organization’s activities pending further review.
Texas A&M officials emphasized that protecting the university’s name and brand is critical, citing decades of reputation-building and legal protections tied to its trademarks. The system routinely monitors for unauthorized uses that could dilute its identity or confuse prospective students.
The Richardson group has not publicly detailed its next steps but now faces dual pressure—from state regulators and one of Texas’ most prominent university systems. The situation highlights increasing scrutiny of unapproved higher education providers, as well as the legal importance of branding in the competitive academic landscape.
It remains unclear whether the dispute will lead to litigation or a negotiated resolution, but both actions signal a firm stance by Texas authorities on compliance and institutional identity.
