Copyrighting my Logo

[The Cue Store]

I've had my logo created as you might have seen, and I was wonder how I would go about copy-writing it and maybe registering it as a trademark.

 

[Faevilangel]

You want copyright not copywrite (two different meanings).


Copyright is automatically given to utensils which have been developed by yourself or for yourself.

You would need trademarks to protect properly but can be expensive depending if it's just logo, the website name or the company colours as well.

You need to speak to a pro to get a proper idea on what protection you want and need, I know one local to me who I can pass her details if needed.

Trademarks are a minefield so a.pro will help get the right solution.

Sent from my HTC Desire using UK Business Forums

 

[VSpy1]

hey, like your logo, I remember the thread - where did you get it designed in the end?

 

[Talay]

Do you have any potential pecuniary loss should anyone copy your logo ?

Even if you did trademark it, do you have the financial resources to enforce such an infringement ?

You may find that someone attempting to use your logo in downtown Shanghai is immaterial to your business endeavours.

Remember, you can't eat pride, not spend it.

 

[Faith28]

It cost about £200 the last i trade marked my logo. It is a simple form via the IPO. They give you free advice about it and it is just a case of getting your head round it. I have traemarked three of my logos successfully through them directly. There was an issue with my first one but they made a suggestion and i went with it.

Www.ipo.gov.uk

You automatically own the copyright. In fact you can place the TM mark next your logo..many people don't realise that it isnt a registered mark.

 

[Talay]

It cost about £200 the last i trade marked my logo. It is a simple form via the IPO. They give you free advice about it and it is just a case of getting your head round it. I have traemarked three of my logos successfully through them directly. There was an issue with my first one but they made a suggestion and i went with it.

Www.ipo.gov.uk

You automatically own the copyright. In fact you can place the TM mark next your logo..many people don't realise that it isnt a registered mark.

Although £600 is not a lot of cash, what did spending £600 save you ?

 

[Faith28]

Although £600 is not a lot of cash, what did spending £600 save you ?

Peace of mind. If anyone else registered it before me then I will always worry about it. That's not worth it for me.

 

[Faith28]

This is the sort of scenario I was aiming to avoid:

http://ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=281905

 

[Homshaw]

I agree with Talay on this. Unless you have the resources or insurance in place to defend intellectual property for legal fees what is the point of paying to register it.

 

[Faith28]

I agree with Talay on this. Unless you have the resources or insurance in place to defend intellectual property for legal fees what is the point of paying to register it.

I see it the other way round...what's the point of trading under a unique name - building the brand etc when you don't register it. Someone comes along and registers the name and you get kicked out or scared into it.

At least when you register yourself you remove some of the threats...of course you don't remove all..but you do remove more than you would without registering the logo (the cowboy copycats).

 

[Homshaw]

I do know someone who spent a serious amount of money on patents.

A large American company asked for samples on the pretense of placing a large order but simply copied and sold it.

They had no insurance. They found a no-win, no fee lawyer who eventually got cold feet They were left high and dry

 

[Faith28]

I do know someone who spent a serious amount of money on patents.

A large American company asked for samples on the pretense of placing a large order but simply copied and sold it.

They had no insurance. They found a no-win, no fee lawyer who eventually got cold feet They were left high and dry

This isn't an argument AGAINST trademarking though, is it? It just says that in business there is always risk.

 

[Homshaw]

A couple of hundred pounds is probably OK

 

[The Cue Store]

Thanks VSpy1 it's a massive improvement on the original one. I got it done by a freelancer that Colin at Continuous Business Planning on here knows, the did my business cards, flyers and the UK Shipping banner on the site as well.

I was thinking of just doing the logo and the written bit "The Cue Store".

 

[Homshaw]

I suppose its all about balance and the actual circumstances.

If I was selling snooker queues I wouldn't think the chances of someone copying my logo was high. Most people want their own with their own identity

If I was building a clothing brand I would trade mark it and take out legal insurance. If I spent a fortune on patents legal insurance would be a must

 

[The Cue Store]

I won't be bothering with the Trademark then.

 

[domainguy]

No offence but who would want to copy your logo?
And Cue shops are not exactly like starbucks on every other corner and Would one need to copy yours? are you a major brand that people would trade off? I think you'd be wasting your money personally.

 

[The Cue Store]

None taken, only thinking about as my previous logo had a generic logo on it.

 

[Talay]

I see it the other way round...what's the point of trading under a unique name - building the brand etc when you don't register it. Someone comes along and registers the name and you get kicked out or scared into it.

At least when you register yourself you remove some of the threats...of course you don't remove all..but you do remove more than you would without registering the logo (the cowboy copycats).

I do take your points and I read the example you kindly quoted but who is this person kicking you out ?

Taken, you may need to instruct Messrs Sue, Grabbit & Run to issue a cease and desist but if you were here first, I don't see anyone else having a valid claim.

 

[Homshaw]

None taken, only thinking about as my previous logo had a generic logo on it.

Just to put the record straight. I think your logo is superb and you should be proud of it.

Just I would not be spending a lot of money protecting it as the risk of it being violated plus the cost of actual taking legal action to defend it on balance doesn't justify the cost

I am not knocking what is a well designed and attractive logo

 

[Homshaw]

I don't know if its relevant but I have bought logos off fiverr in the past

Most of them are very good and even if they aren't you only waste five dollars so its worth a punt

 

[ethical PR]

Hi

Just to clarify; the copyright for designing your logo will automatically rest with the person who developed it for you, unless they assign it to you, or agree to share the copyright. (It's not, as was claimed by an earlier poster automatically assigned to you). Have a look at the contract/agreement you have with your designer.

If assignment of copyright hasn't been agreed with your designer, as part of the service you paid for, then ask them if they will put something in writing to confirm they are happy for you to share the copyright.

In terms of trademark - for the brand (not just a logo or mark, which you might want to adapt/change in years to come), it's definitely worth considering.

Only you can decide whether you want to invest in doing so at this stage. Yes you will have to pay, but it can help protect the investment you are making in building up your brand in years to come, should a competitor knowingly or not, try to piggyback on your brand success.