Is it ok to publish logos of companies without permission

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Is it ok to publish logos of companies without permission

publish logos

joelgreen

11:16 am on Jan 14, 2008 (gmt 0)

I'm collecting "attractive" logos of companies. There was no problem while that was "offline" hobby. Would like to make collection available online (a king of gallery, maybe putting description for some of them). Should i contact every company if they would allow me to post their logo on my site? Should i post some text like "the site is not an affiliate" or something like that?
Thanks for your answers.

adwatson

4:04 pm on Jan 14, 2008 (gmt 0)

I'm no lawyer, but I imagine they won't mind as long as you don't change the logo in any way - and you link it to the appropriate website.

Blakes01

4:22 pm on Jan 14, 2008 (gmt 0)

Having dealt with a few major companies out there, you may actually want to get permission. Many companies' legal departments frown on the use of their logos, as it can imply an affiliation of some sort.

If you decide to go ahead and put the site up, you should probably put a disclaimer on your pages stating that you are only presenting the logo, without any sort of collaboration with said company.

If you get a request for removal, take it off quickly to avoid any of the problems that could spring up.

vincevincevince

4:38 pm on Jan 14, 2008 (gmt 0)

Always ask. Even if you don't technically need to. It's polite.

Next, if you are providing a proper critique of the logo then you may well be allowed to use it under 'fair use' provisions. This would essentially require that the display of the logo is required to illustrate what you are talking about. Of course, there are regional variations and you need to make sure yourself.

joelgreen

10:39 am on Jan 15, 2008 (gmt 0)

Thank you for responses. Will contact companies for permission to be on the safe side.

BigDave

5:00 pm on Jan 16, 2008 (gmt 0)

As you described it, you don't legally need permission, but there are companies that will sue you anyway.

Trademark is not the same as copyright, it isn't a fair use issue. They have to show that your use is causing some sort of market confusion, which is unlikely to happen.

But like I said, and you will certainly read elsewhere, there are lots of companies that are willing to file harassing lawsuits in an attempt to control their trademarks more than the law grants to them.

joelgreen

1:22 pm on Jan 21, 2008 (gmt 0)

Thanks BigDave. I though of grouping them somehow (by niche comes to my mind). Posting them grouped (few logos on same page) could make them angry, as competitors would be posted on the same page. Looks like it is not a good idea to make this collection available online.