When Logos are Too Similar
As I mentioned in my last post, The Worst Client and Innovative Thinking, creativity may have it’s limits. Either way, logos can look very similar. Some of this may happen by accident and some on purpose, but how similar is too similar?
Apple has taken legal actions to try and prevent Australian retailer Woolworths from using its new logo because it is too similar to Apple’s. The Brisbane Times has more on the story.
Where is the line drawn on the issue of logo similarity? If Apple can prevent any type of apple-esque symbol in a logo, it is as if Apple trademarked the concept behind its logo rather than the logo itself.
Are legal actions too extreme in this case? What do you think?
Take a look at this article on Logo Design Love to see more examples of When Logos Look Alike.
Carson Shold is a freelance graphic and web designer born in Victoria, BC and living in London, Ontario. He is a ‘for hire‘ designer that wants to help your business stand out – the right way. You can connect with him and his thoughts on twitter or check out his portfolio at carsonshold.com.
The problem might be with Apple’s legal team being too gung-ho about protecting the Apple logo, which is a possibility, considering they sued a school for using an apple in their logo. (Link: http://gizmodo.com/5059881/apple-sues-school-for-using-the-same-fruit-in-a-logo).
The problem might also be with trademark law. In order to maintain a trademark, they have to defend it. Granted, they don’t have to defend it if the infringement is minor, but the severity of infringement is really a subjective idea.
I agree. I read somewhere (wish I could find the link) that there is a whole section of Apple dedicated to branding copyright issues and that it will take legal action on any logo even remotely similar to Apples, regardless of size.
When there is so much at stake behind the ‘apple,’ can you really blame them for protecting it?