copyright trademark

[FastCashh]

Hi,

Can i ask if some one makes a modification of a trademark or logo , does it violates the copyright law?
for example
adding a star to a exisitng trademark or
changing the name from "CITIZEN" to "CITIZAN"

wherby the trademark looks like a replica of the original.

[Strong Eagle]

The general answer is "yes" especially if your intent is to deceive others into thinking it is the original. But maybe not if your modified logo was in a separate distinct class of products from the original.

[ukdesigner]

As Strong Eagle rightly pointed out you would be in violation of copyright. In fact any modification, alteration or use of a logo without the written consent of the copyright holder is in fact illegal. However if you are marketing a product for an end supplier then the copyright holder tends to overlook the use of their logo as you are selling their product.

I am in marketing and continuously get asked to input logos into adverts and make alterations to them which I kindly refuse. Not only will the client get into trouble but so would I for infringing their copyright and for also trying to deceive the end user. Copyright holders also have strict guidelines for use of the logos as they have spent alot of money developing them and need to hold their brand identity.

Look at the UK's 2012 Olympic logo.... £400,000, yes that's right £400,000!! I could've done a better effort for a fraction of that, but what do I know... I'm only a designer..

[Plavt]

Look at the UK's 2012 Olympic logo.... £400,000, yes that's right £400,000!! I could've done a better effort for a fraction of that, but what do I know... I'm only a designer..

Who couldn't? I expect the designer was good friends with somebody in the Olympic committee........nudge, nudge, wink,wink... say no more.

[luxiana]

you just don't have any idea of all the symbols this logo represents and how much effort was put into it... hahahaha

branding is a "science"

my take is that you can still use a name that is copyrighted but if you intend to compete with the rightful owner of the copyright you'll run into troubles for sure.

like:
you can call your company "IBM" and it's going to be ok if you sell anything BUT I.T related products as it will be misleading...


one clear exception is made for the names if I remember well.

let's say your name is Apple nobody can prevent to use your name for your business... (wish your last name is Ipod now?... )

the timing plays a role as well: let's say you are operating a company called Microsoft in singapore back in early 70s before Bill Gates takes over the market. even though they have a copyright/trademark they won't be able to sue you.

as long as you use it wisely...

[Plavt]

you can call your company "IBM" and it's going to be ok if you sell anything BUT I.T related products as it will be misleading...

However, given the amount of confusion likely to arise it would hardly be worth the bother.

[luxiana]

indeed but some people are just like that...

I found myself looking for the name of my company according to the availability of the domain name on the internet!

let's face it: no chance to name my company IBM then!

[ksl]

Look at the UK's 2012 Olympic logo.... £400,000, yes that's right £400,000!! I could've done a better effort for a fraction of that, but what do I know... I'm only a designer..

Who couldn't? I expect the designer was good friends with somebody in the Olympic committee........nudge, nudge, wink,wink... say no more.

Free Me Mason! 1066 william the conk rules! Nudge nudge wink wink, say no more!