Logo Copyright Infringement Examples

In the world of branding and marketing, logos are the visual anchors that help companies carve their identities and build relationships with their customers.

A unique and compelling logo can set a brand apart from the competition, but it can also become a battleground for legal disputes.

Logo copyright infringement examples and cases have the power to create shockwaves in the business world, reshaping brand identities and even altering the course of industry trends.

Join us on an intriguing exploration as we delve into captivating instances of logo copyright infringement, highlighting the significance of safeguarding your brand's image and the ramifications of not taking adequate measures.

What is a Logo?

A logo is an identifiable and unique emblem, artwork, or arrangement of components that distinguishes and symbolises a corporation, brand, or merchandise.

It functions as a visual representation of your enterprise, simplifying the process for customers to recognise and recall your company within the competitive market.

What is Logo Copyright Infringement?

Copyright infringement of a logo happens when an individual or a company utilises a copyrighted logo or a design that closely resembles it without acquiring permission or authorisation from the copyright owner.

This unauthorised use of a logo can result in legal disputes and financial consequences.

Infringement can be either intentional, where a business deliberately copies another company's logo to deceive or gain an unfair advantage, or unintentional, where a business unknowingly creates a logo that is too similar to an existing copyrighted logo.

In both cases, the offending party may face legal action and potential financial damages.

There are two types of logo copyright infringement:

Unintentional Infringement

This occurs when a business unknowingly creates a logo that is similar to an existing, copyrighted logo. Ignorance of existing copyright is not a valid defense in these cases.

Check out the linked article to learn more about innocent copyright infringement.

Intentional Infringement

This is when a business deliberately copies another company's logo with the intent to deceive or gain an unfair advantage.

Check out the linked article to learn more about intentional copyright infringement.

Purpose of Copyrighting a Logo

Copyrighting a logo is essential for several reasons:

1. Legal protection: Copyrighting your logo grants you exclusive rights to use, reproduce, and display the design. Copyright protection enables you to take action against anyone who infringes upon your copyright by using your logo or a substantially similar design without your permission.
2. Brand identity: Your logo is a crucial element of your brand identity, and copyrighting helps protect your brand's image and reputation. It prevents others from copying your logo or using confusingly similar designs, ensuring that your logo remains unique and easily recognisable to customers.
3. Asset value: A copyrighted logo becomes an intellectual property asset that can increase the overall value of your business. You can license, sell, or transfer your copyrighted logo as part of your business assets, potentially generating additional revenue.
4. Deterrence: By copyrighting your logo, you send a clear message to potential infringers that you take the protection of your brand seriously. Knowing that you have legal recourse may discourage others from attempting to use your logo or a similar design without your permission.
5. International protection: Although copyright protection is generally country-specific, several international agreements and treaties facilitate cross-border protection. Registering your logo in multiple countries or utilising systems like the Madrid Protocol can help protect your logo globally.

Check out the linked article to learn how to copyright a logo.

Examples of Logo Copyright Infringement

Airbnb and Automation Anywhere

In 2014, when Airbnb first introduced its logo, it quickly became the subject of controversy.

Many people compared the logo to genitalia, and Gizmodo even called it a "sexual Rorschach test."

Some individuals noted that it had similarities to the logo of Automation Anywhere, which had been unveiled during a similar timeframe.

In response to the controversy, both companies quickly worked to settle the issue.

An Airbnb spokesperson explained to the BBC that the two companies were working cooperatively to address the issue.

Automation Anywhere was in the process of transitioning to a new logo design that would not be similar to the Airbnb logo.

This incident serves as a reminder that logo design can be a complex and delicate process, and that even seemingly small design choices can have a significant impact on how a company is perceived.

It also highlights the importance of being mindful of intellectual property rights issues, and of working cooperatively with other companies to resolve any disputes that may arise.

NBC and ETV

In 1976, NBC debuted a new logo that was meant to represent the network's modern and forward-thinking approach.

The design was widely promoted and celebrated as a million-dollar creation.

However, not long after the logo's introduction, a Nebraska network called ETV noticed some striking similarities between their own logo and NBC's.

The logos differed only in color, making it difficult for viewers to tell them apart.

ETV wasted no time in filing a lawsuit, alleging that NBC had copied their logo. NBC eventually settled the case and quickly introduced yet another new logo.

Over the years, the company continued to experiment with different designs but eventually returned to its classic peacock-based logo, which has become an iconic symbol of the network.

This incident highlights the potential pitfalls of logo design and the importance of being aware of intellectual property issues.

Even seemingly small design choices can have significant legal and financial implications, making it essential for companies to exercise caution and work with legal experts to avoid any potential conflicts.

Starbucks and Starpreya

In a David-and-Goliath-like legal battle, Korean chain Elpreya took on coffee giant Starbucks and won.

Both coffee companies established their initial stores in Korea in 1999. Starbucks made attempts to contend with its competitor, known as Starpreya.

However, because Starbucks was not popular in Korea at the time, Korean judges decided in favor of the local business.

Starbucks persisted and appealed the ruling repeatedly until 2007 when the final appeal was rejected and Starpreya was permitted to go on using its logo, which it had been doing for a decade.

Louis Vuitton vs Louis Vuitton Dak

In an astonishing turn of events, a South Korean fried chicken restaurant found itself embroiled in a copyright battle with the luxury fashion brand Louis Vuitton over a copyright infringement claim.

The restaurant, initially named "Louis Vuiton Dak," was accused of not only adopting a name strikingly similar to the designer label but also replicating Louis Vuitton's distinctive logo and packaging design.

Ultimately, the court ruled in favor of Louis Vuitton, concluding that the restaurant had indeed violated the company's intellectual property rights.

Consequently, Louis Vuiton Dak was ordered to pay a substantial fine of 14.5 million won for copyright infringement and promptly changed their brand name to avoid further penalties.

This case serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of respecting intellectual property rights, regardless of the nature of one's business.

This article is originally published on the Bytescare Blog.