Is this logo asking for trouble?

[RBS]

Hello peeps.

LR independent specialist needs a logo for his business. Is this logo asking for a letter from Land Rover giving XX days notice before legal action? (not this ugly of course, instead of MOTORS there could be something else like workshop/garage etc).

 

[ClothingRetailer86]

Yes it is!!! Although depends how big the business is.

But then again....

There was a shop by me, only a tiny independent newsagents that had a logo highly similar to the Tesco layout and font. They were forced by Tesco to remove it or face legal action.

So yes, I'd say there's a good chance of having a notice

 

[The Byre]

If the customer is not a Land Rover franchise, probably yes. That letter would soon arrive - just as soon as the local dealership finds out and calls JLR.

JLR do allow the use of their IP for events and clubs that further the image and therefore sales of Land Rovers, but a rival to the local franchise could incur the wrath of the gods.

 

[RBS]

Do you think its green oval or "LR" letters which would cause trouble?

 

[ClothingRetailer86]

A mix of both, the green oval moreso.

 

[The Byre]

The point is that JLR will probably send that letter and start proceedings if the logo is not removed. Even if the customer is in the right in the end, the action will wipe him out.

 

[Mark T Jones]

How likely is it that someone at JLR 'big' enough to care will see it?

If you're going to be promoting it at, say significant events like Goodwood, feathers will be ruffled. On the other hand, if it's a farm unit specialising in fixing 4 X 4s for local farmers, nobody will care

Over the years I've come across several Ford Motor Companies merrily trading away

 

[RBS]

On the other hand, if it's a farm unit specialising in fixing 4 X 4s for local farmers, nobody will care

Its going to be small LR garage on industrial estate. Considering social media these days, especially FB, this logo might be seen by somebody in JLR very quickly.

 

[Mark T Jones]

Its going to be small LR garage on industrial estate. Considering social media these days, especially FB, this logo might be seen by somebody in JLR very quickly.

The question really is, even with a 1% chance of being picked up, do you really want the hassle of fighting and/or rebranding for a fundamentally worthless piece of branding?

 

[RBS]

No trouble required, green oval will be avoided as an idea.

 

[paulears]

The test a friend suggested was that if you remove the lettering and show the remainder to somebody and say what logo is this and they say Landrover - you fail!

 

[Paul Evans- BuyerBiz]

100% we had a customer who did something similar with another car manufacturer and he also received a letter. He then called us at buyerbiz to see what we could do about selling the business faster. But depends on the exposure it gets will determine the time in which you will find out.

 

[ClothingRetailer86]

How likely is it that someone at JLR 'big' enough to care will see it?

If it's like that...

1) My example mentioned, Tesco pursuing a local newsagents down a quiet village near Wales because of the logo.

2) Take a look at BOSS brewing co as a recent example. A small (ish) microbrewery who named one of their beers BOSS (or something like that) getting a hiding from... Hugo Boss, the massive worldwide company headquartered in Germany I believe.

So yes, it's entirely possible. If you have to ask weather it's going to be fine, then it probably isn't and there's a risk.

 

[WaveJumper]

Personally I think it shows little imagination when you have to copy someone else's logo

 

[Deleted member 335362]

Newbie here. Go to any stock photo site, and search their logo / clipart section. You'll be swimming in royalty-free alternatives, a huge proportion of which will be offered for free as well. Make sure you pay if payment is required for use in branding.

If your logo must be that specific oval, then l'd have to wonder why ...

 

[Deleted member 335362]

The oval itself is an exact replica of the Land Rover oval by the way. Gradients and all.

 

[Startup Business Branding]

Yes. It's far too close to the Land Rover logo, and I agree with what @WaveJumper said.

A logo for a business should be well researched, in terms of the type of business, the customer base, as well as other variables such as colour invoking emotions, what typeface to use, etc.