Legal / copyright question

[gonfishing]

A kind of boaty question, well marine related anyway! When producing advertising literature / websites for a business that will be using / or selling marine products, where does one stand in terms of using Manufacturers Logo's, say for example 3m's logo, or some such similar recognisable brand?? Would I need explicit permission from each individual company, or can I use them as long as they are perfect reproductions?

Your advice as always, greatly appreciated.
Julian

<hr width=100% size=1><P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by gonfishing on 07/12/2004 14:32 (server time).</FONT></P>

 

[Wiggo]

Generally, you will require explicit permission before using copyrighted logos. Most manufacturers are very protective of their brand identity.

<hr width=100% size=1>Si hoc legere scis, nimium eruditionis habes.

 

[LeytonC]

Hi Julian, i wanted to use anothers companys logo in a brochure and i had to ask permission AND reproduce the logo in EXACTLY the sames colours as they used.

(i found this out by asking in the 1st place...)

I would of thought other companys would do this as well so they can keep tabs on who is using there logos so no dodgy people can cause them problems.

Hope this helps..

(BTW this is post 400 for me!)


<hr width=100% size=1>Thanks

Leyton

EXTAR Software - Software that works for you
Phone : 07803 139 736

 

[tcm]

they can get an injunction against you to stop using it. Then, they can sue to claim damages.

Best is to askem, and they should send you nice artwork of the pantone colours and exact dimensions, minmium sizes and so on, which aren't too arduous really.

Done properly, most co's like people to use their logo cos it's free advetinsing innit?

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[tico]

Replies are dead right!!!!
Dont even think about putting in others logos without express written permission. Most are very protective of their copyright, also of colour and sizing.
Hope it all goes well tho

<hr width=100% size=1>Been there, done that, got the oily T shirt

 

[markc]

Going to go slightly against the grain here!

Firstly, I do agree that you should seek permission before reproducing logos on anything. However, if you are producing sales information which has a lot of companies featured, it may be impractical to seek 'express written permission' from each company. You therefore have 2 alternatives

1 - use a product shot/image (which features their logo) instead of the actual logo – these should be available from the company website or press office.
2 - just use their logo, but make sure that it is reproduced correctly and not deemed to be associated with another brand especially if competing.

It is highly unlikely that any brand will sue you for the use of their logo PROVIDING it is used correctly and in the course of selling their product and is not used to imply association, approval etc. from that brand or make false claims about a product. They could ask you to remove material with offending logo, so if on website very easy, not so easy with printed material.

This isn’t legal advice, just based on experience gained marketing major consumer brands for 15 years.


<hr width=100% size=1>http://www.geocities.com/jinto100/Jintopics.html

 

[wakeup]

If it's a Yank company you could be sued in the US for damages and then that award can be tripled if proven you willfuly neglected their rights.....

<hr width=100% size=1>As independent as resources permit.

 

[Talbot]

IPR is a minefield, and companies are paying a lot more attention to it these days - get written permission

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[gonfishing]

Thanks All
It is going to be a long arduous week!!!

Julian

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