Copyright Aid

Hello there

Couldnt find an answer on forum anywhere although Im sure its there somewhere......

I have designed a logo for a customer and they have contacted me to say that they have heard that a competitor is planning to copy the logo when they see it just changing the company name!

Can I just put the little C copyright symbol somewhere very small on the logo and just that, or do I have to put the symbol and then company name etc? Customer is against that idea as they feel will encroach on the design and I wondered about a trademark?

Also I have designed an insert for personal organisers that I want to retain copyright for... again can I just use the little c and nothing else.

Thanks muchly

You do not need to have the (c) symbol or a copyright notice - copyright will still exist without it. The notice and the (c) symbol is really just a deterrent.
You will rarely see a copyright notice on logos - for exactly the reason you state - it encroaches on the logo.

a competitor is planning to copy the logo when they see it just changing the company name

Sound like they are idiots - and asking for legal action (hopefully they are just trying to wind you up).
Advise them that you are the copyright owner and that such action would result in legal action. Be prepared to go to the solicitors -though it's probably best to avoid this is possible (when you involve solicitors costs will quickly start to rack up), though you may be able to charge them for your legal expenses - and take them to the small claims court if the refuse to pay.

There is always the risk that they will claim that they created the logo (this could muddy the waters). If you want to be on the safe side, you could also register the work with the UK Copyright Service BEFORE they have a chance to see it - that way you at least have some independent evidence of your work, also keep hold of your rough work as evidence of the evolution of your work.

Thanks for that. I think I will email them and say Ive heard they are looking for a new logo design and then include my terms and conditions that mention that all my work is copyrighted!

Thanks for taking the time to reply, much appreciated.

Probably a bit late for this, but if you or your client registers the logo as a trade mark you get extra protection because trademark infringement in the way you have described is a criminal offence, whereas copyright infringement of that sort is a civil matter.