The Magic of Trademarks: Creating Logos and brands with real value

I want to invite you into the enchanting world of trademarks and their pivotal role in safeguarding the fruits of a graphic designer's labour.? I want to emphasise the magical quality of protecting your creativity through legal means. This may not be directly for your own benefit, however it most certainly is for your clients benefit. Imagine that the next logo or brand you create becomes the next big household brand, how would that make you feel? Proud, exhilarated? I am sure it would do a world of good for your brand and business.?

The value of registered trademarks

Now let's delve into the invaluable protection that trademarks offer to creative work. Contrary to copyright protection, which is your lifetime plus, in many countries, 70 years after your death, a registered trademark can exist virtually indefinitely. Yes there are certain things to comply with, yet these tedious details are for your client to concern themselves with and not you. This means that a registered trademark is like the shield and sword that designer's clients need in a competitive world. When you have created a super strong logo or brand that can become registered as a trademark, this can increase the value of the logo or brand, thus turning it into a treasured asset for your client instead of them having wasted time money and energy on having something beautiful created that then turns out not to be trademarkable.

Boundless creativity and innovation

I want to highlight the spirit of boundless creativity and innovation that thrives in the realm of graphic design, these are some of the reasons why your industry is vital to the rest of the world.

To give examples of exceptional real life logos or brands that have become registered trademarks, here are 3 examples:

• Apple: The iconic Apple logo, featuring an apple with a bite taken out of it, was designed by Rob Janoff in 1977. This logo has since become one of the worlds most recognisable corporate symbols globally, symbolising innovation and simplicity.?

• Nike: Nike's "Swoosh" logo was created by graphic designer Carolyn Davidson in 1971. She designed the logo while she was still a student at Portland State University and was paid $35 for her work. The Swoosh has since become a symbol of athleticism, speed, and movement.

• Coca-Cola: The classic Coca-Cola logo, featuring the unique script font, was designed by Frank M. Robinson in 1886. I am pretty sure that it was handwritten to begin with. Robinson was the bookkeeper of the company's co-founder, John S. Pemberton. He also played a crucial role in suggesting the name "Coca-Cola." The logo's script has remained largely unchanged and is also one of the most recognised logos in the world.

So you see, creating logos and brands that can become registered trademarks is vital to your client.

I want to emphasise the need for you as a designer to not only understand yet also wholeheartedly accept the importance of trademarks. This legal aspect is actually an integral part of the creative process and not a separate, mundane requirement when the aim is for you to be able to not only create a beautiful and lovable result, in your clients' eyes, you want to be the one to help them attain their most desired brand or logo so that it can become the next household logo or brand without having to rebrand which is a costly exercise.?

So dear graphic designer... I encourage you to take a leap into the world of trademarkable logos and brands. This is a journey where you can embrace the magic of trademarks and elevate your creative work to new heights.?

Visualise yourself being the next graphic designer who takes the leap into this programme and learn how to craft logos and brands that are trademarkable. As a direct result, you will be able to confidently create logos and brands that are trademarkable right away, saving your clients' time, money and energy, while making sure that their brands are safe and secure.

I want to wrap up this article by reiterating the magical connection between creativity and trademarks. My desire is to inspire you, dear reader, to explore the legal side of logo and brand design, as it can truly unlock the full potential of your creative concepts and make YOU the GO TO DESIGNER in your industry.

Until next time, stay great!

Warmest regards

Céleste

PS if you prefer I have recorded this as a podcast episode TradeMark Podcast with Céleste, The Empress Of TradeMarks