What to do if someone copies your logo?

Steps to take if you notice that someone has copied your logo

It can be quite unpleasant to see that another person or company has deliberately copied your logo. What can you do to assert your rights? We've found a few steps you can take to try to fix this issue.

Find evidence

The first thing you should do if you notice that another company is using the same logo as you is to find evidence and take note of as much information as possible. What is the name of this company? Where are they located? Do they use the logo in different places, for example on their website or social networks? Are you able to see how long they've been using their logo or if they've copied other elements of your visual identity?

For your part, remember to find all the relevant information about the creation of your logo in order to prove that you are indeed the original owner.

Check your rights

Have you taken the time to protect your logo by making it a registered trademark in your country? If not, you may want to do it as soon as possible, as it could be very problematic if the other party does it before you. You may also want to make an appointment with an intellectual property lawyer to find out what your recourse is.

Unfortunately, it may be more difficult to enforce your rights if your logo is used by a company on the other side of the world.

Contact the offender

At this stage, remember to contact the offending company. Send them a message explaining that you've noticed that they're using the same logo as you and that it's detrimental to both of your companies. You can then mention any information regarding intellectual property or evidence that you owned this logo for a longer period of time.

There are different ways to do this, but often it is better to do it in writing and formally. You could write an email with an acknowledgment of receipt or send a letter to their official address.

Consider legal proceedings

If you don't hear back or the offending company refuses to stop using your logo, consider taking legal action. With the help of an intellectual property lawyer, you can send a formal letter requiring that they no longer use your logo. You could also sue them if it's worth it.

This course of action can make many people think and shows that you are ready to fight for what is yours.

Consider a redesign

If nothing works and you don't have the money or energy to take legal action, it may be better to think about changing your logo. Whether it's a complete redesign or a few modifications, it's still a way to make your emblem distinctive and ensure that you don't get confused with the other company. Sometimes, you have to know when to pick your battles so that you can focus on what's most important.

And this time, remember to protect your logo and brand image as soon as possible to avoid going through a similar situation again.

What can you do to prevent your logo from being copied?

No one is safe from having their logo copied by others, but what can you do to reduce the chances of experiencing this unpleasant situation? How can you protect yourself?

Register your logo as a trademark

To begin with, as soon as you create your company logo, consider registering your emblem as a registered trademark. To do this, please consult the laws of your country or consult a lawyer.

If you want to register your logo as a trademark in the United States, you can rely on our partner BusinessRocket to help you.

Create a representative and unique logo

As we mentioned earlier, a good logo should be representative and unique. The more distinctive and associated your emblem is with your brand, the more difficult it will be for others to use it. To achieve this result, you will need to research and choose visual components that represent your company, its values and the products well.

Get the rights to the template

If you've used a logo editor like FreeLogoDesign, it might be relevant to get the rights to the template that served as the basis for your logo. In fact, we offer the possibility of removing a template from our catalog so that others cannot use it. Otherwise, don't forget to customize the templates used during the creation process to ensure you have a unique result.

In conclusion, it's never nice to see that someone has copied your work. If you notice that another company has copied your logo, know that there is something you can do about it. Start by taking notes, then contact the other party. Do not hesitate to bring a lawyer with you during the process if necessary.

Did you know that the Tokyo Olympics logo had to be changed because it looked too similar to another emblem used in Belgium? Although it is unlikely that the designer copied the ideas of a museum located in another country, it is still shows that it is essential to focus on the components that make your logo unique.