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
Copyright for customer logo
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CopyrightAid
- Site Admin
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- Joined: Wed Jan 03, 2007 1:48 pm
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.
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.
You will rarely see a copyright notice on logos - for exactly the reason you state - it encroaches on the logo.
Sound like they are idiots - and asking for legal action (hopefully they are just trying to wind you up).a competitor is planning to copy the logo when they see it just changing the company name
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.
