Logos

Saida.M · (#1 (**permalink**))

Does anyone know anything about getting logos? Who you have to approach, what are the charges etc? Is it a job for art experts?

SoulRebel · (#2 (**permalink**))

Depends on the context. If it's for commercial use, best go to a graphic designer (better yet a student - cheaper). Might be worth getting it registered as a trademark so's no-one can use it officially without your permission. Overall spend probably very low three figures.

If its for social use.....a great task to keep some youngsters occupied - no real need to spend money.

Saida.M · (#3 (**permalink**))

Thanks SoulRebel - yes it would be for commercial use.

So how does it work - the person wanting the logo designsa roughlogo, takes it to a graphic designer then copyright it? Would the designer design from scratch depending on what you tell him?

Canone copyright something that does not yet exist - in other words, surely it's not possible to copyright something BEFORE you come up with adesign; so when should you copyright; when the design is finished, as the designer is designing - when?

How can you know you're not stealing anyone else's logo? Is there some sort of database?

Do people have to put that annoying (tm) beside every logo once you come up with a design?

SoulRebel · (#4 (**permalink**))

athaba wrote:

Quote:

Thanks SoulRebel - yes it woud be for commercial use.

So how does it work - the person wanting the logo designsa roughlogo, takes it to a graphic designer then copyright it? Would the designer design from scratch depending on what you tell him?

Either can work - depending on whether its a new or existing idea. A designer ought to get some background on the 'product' the logo represents/stands for, to get some consistency and 'feel' for what they're doing.

Canone copyright something that does not yet exist - in other words, surely it's not possible to copyright something BEFORE you come up with adesign; so when should you copyright; when the design is finished, as the designer is designing - when?

As I understand the law, you claim copyright on the creation (i.e, the logo) rather than the idea. You might want to check this out:

http://www.copyrightservice.co.uk/co..._copyright_law

How can you know you're not stealing anyone else's logo? Is there some sort of database?

Not sure about this, though would imagine there is a list somewhere. The legal risk I know of is what's called 'passing off' - for example, coming up with a logo for a fast food product which looks suspiciously like McDonald's 'golden arches', or for sportswear with something resembling the Nike 'swoosh'. More an issue for extremely well-known global brands, who are very protective of their symbols. You should check with a lawyer. How much of this would apply to 'cultural' symbols (like Adinkra) might also be worth checking.

Do people have to put that annoying (tm) beside every logo once you come up with a design?

Technically yes, though as it's your property it's up to you. It signals publically that the symbol belongs to someone so if you've invested money in creating it, using 'TM' or the circled 'R' seems worth it to me. I work in a business which is obsessive about using it, so it's a familiar thing.

SoulRebel · (#5 (**permalink**))

Another useful starting point for stuff on copyright, logos, and trademarks:

http://tinyurl.com/dlp8s

Saida.M · (#6 (**permalink**))

Thanks again SoulRebel; clp)thanks for the links

SoulRebel · (#7 (**permalink**))

Happy to help. niceone.gif