Some companies use the registration mark as part of their logos (such as Yahoo.com, Google.com, Fidelity, etc.). But others do not (Nationalgeographic.com, NBC.com). Why do some companies use the Registration mark in their logos, and why do others not? Is it just personal preference? Isn't it fine to just have a privacy policy or terms & conditions that explain the company and it's trade marks? As a designer, I think a registration mark looks ugly in most logos ... and just want to know if there were legal or other reasons...
2007-01-22 13:21:43 · 6 answers · asked by jabbamonkey 2 in Business & Finance ➔ Advertising & Marketing ➔ Other - Advertising & Marketing
The law doesn't work the same way in America. In America it really doesn't matter if you use trademark symbols or not, because here... ignorance is no excuse for violation of the law. Companies use these symbols in America to show prestige in an attempt to demand respect. It's a marketing thing. It works for some companies, doesn't work for others. Depends on the marketing strategy and the image they want to portray. Whether or not you put trademark symbols in your layouts will not change anything legally. But the client may want it... in an effort to "lend credibility." A bit of experience, if they want it... put it in. Don't give them a hard time about it... it's all about ego. When they say put it in... just put it in. This will save you some heartache. Remember, it's all about image and ego in the first place. That's what you will be questioning.
2007-01-22 16:27:36 · answer #1 · answered by mhaize 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not so much a design thing as an IP protection thing.
Your intellectual property (logo, colour, company name, mascot, brand icon, packaging, shapes - anything that makes your brand stand out - think the Coke 'dynamic ribbon') should be protected from others copying it by registering it as a trademark. Brands these days are the engines driving profit for multinationals.
If you're intending to trade in other countries (even by internet) you'll need to protect it in those countries too.
Sadly a small Aussie swimwear co, Absolut beachwear, learned the hard way (to the tune of $1M and their business) that trademarks are valuable assets when they were challenged by Absolut Vodka and lost even though they'd registered their mark, but only in Australia.
If your design is likely to be widely used and/or well known (or you hope it will be), you might seek the services of a patent attorney.
2007-01-22 14:36:01 · answer #2 · answered by Kristin A 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You've improperly used the mark, which could be considered fraud. The advertisement must not run, or must be modified, if you do not get the registration by press time. Don't worry: this is common. And the common thing to do is hope you get the registration approved before press. That is, if you get caught. Which is unlikely, since the Patent & Trademark Office (I'm assuming US) doesn't go around policing these things. It'd only come up if someone wanted to challenge you.
2016-05-23 23:24:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is my understanding that using a registered trade mark is a way of making others need permission to use your logo. I'm sure the "tm" or "r" can be very small in your designs. I guess it's a way to protect your work.
2007-01-22 13:30:33 · answer #4 · answered by Belle 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think so so that people dont steal your friggin trademark
2007-01-22 13:40:38 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
YEAA< or everyone will steal it.
2007-01-22 13:50:10 · answer #6 · answered by nice too meet you. 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋