Logo Copyright

Hello,

I have searched for that info and couldn't find it hope someone have the answer

I noticed that before i add any logo to my portfolio I have to ask the CH permission first. Also I can do that without asking by Changing the name and keep the graphic with a different name. example: if i designed Nike logo i shall replace "nike" with a different phrase like "logo here" then i'm able to have it on my portfolio am i right? But sometimes the logo it self is based on some characters like using the M embed ed with other character creating a shape. Cant we Just say it was designed by a member on DC! and give a refer link for the DC website without changing any part of the logo?

Kindly advise,
Thanks.

I believe (I could be wrong) that if you're are the one creating the logo you are allowed to use it in your portfolio. Most if not all companies have no problem with that since you are the creator. I do however let them know that I'll be using it in my portfolio, just so they are aware of it.
it also helps the company get recognition when someone is viewing your portfolio since you'd want to link it to the actual company that's using it.

But this is just my opinion.

ok, lets talk about a contest, it will have like 20 entry what if all the designers used their entry on their portfolio, it will be like many versions of the same logo hosted in different portfolio, is that allowed? it doesn't make a sense if the 20 designers ask the same CH if they allow to host the same logo on their portfolio, the CH wont ever come here again with such huge PM's asking for permission lol

for the example you just gave.....A couple of things can be done; If your design didn't win then you can change the name of the company to "Your company name here" or just put the icon in your portfolio and say concept ideas. I don't think you should put the logo concept in portfolio as the company that didn't choose your design.

I was thinking if you were the winner.

What I do with old unused logos is change the name and try to resell them or recycle them. I've also used Non-winning logo's in my portfolio with some names changed.

and what sharie said. lol.
I also would link it back to a Non winning contest. just let it stand on it's own..

PM sent

Edited by Coy, 02 June 2010 - 05:31 PM.

From my understanding you can display anything in your portfolio that you have created. So if you have a logo that didn't win a contest, that doesn't mean you can't show it to prospective employers. A portfolio is a showcase of your talent and creativity.

Many portfolios start out with completely fictional subject matter in them. For example all those class projects that were just made up.

As long as you aren't reproducing work that isn't yours, I don't think you need permission to show anything you've created in a portfolio.

I tried once to ask the same question on this forum, only wrong words came out (not (yet) a native english speaker) , thanks GoldenZ for putting the right ones. Since then, i managed to make my first portfolio, and i went for libbyelliott's point of view. It's my 100% work, it shows what i can do. It's not for commercial use and even if it can be freely accesed it's not that public, so it will not interfere with the image of the actual company. After all, different versions of logos of the same company remain on web here on DC. you can see them in contest arhive or in designer's profile.
I don't like the ideea with "your text here" and neither the one with just the icon. It's too unpersonal and ... incomplete. you made it based on the name also .... . Resell / recycle logos that did not win it's not a bad ideea if it works, i never tried, but ... i don't think they should be in portfolio until they're sold . For the winning logos, without a signed agreement, it should be your call if the logo will apear in your portfolio, changing the name could be the worst ideea. I mean let's take the example of goldenz, with nike. let's say he shows in his portfolio the swoosh with other text than "nike" ... hmmm ... i really don't think that's a good ideea.
So the Portfolio should have only few important rules: 1)items in it are original and done by you 100% and items in it and the way they are shown best represent you.

This is a really picky subject, but the designer owns the rights to any design unless explicitly transferred in written contract. Below is an except from the US copyright code.

Title 17 U. S. Code Section 201- Ownership of copyright

201(a) “Initial Ownership. – Copyright in a work protected under this title vests initially in the author or authors of the work.”

In the case of logo design, instead of “author,” read “artist.”

Under U.S. copyright law, the designer is the owner of all files and artwork created for the client, and the client is the owner of the end product (i.e. a printed business cards). Release of electronic files to the client is at the discretion of the designer and is determined by the type of project. Copyright ownership may be transferred to the client for a fee that is based on the uses for which rights are being transferred. This is specified in a proposed agreement for the design of an identity system.

Edited by DixielandDesign, 02 June 2010 - 10:25 PM.