Does anyone actually own the rights to that design? Can you use the same idea / graphic but apply it to a different situation without permission?
2007-02-25 15:30:29 · 7 answers · asked by kai 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Visual Arts ➔ Other - Visual Arts
The designer that created the logo was Milton Glaser.
It was commissioned by New York's Governor Hugh Carey to promote the city of New York (it was suffering from an economic recession in the early seventies).
Glaser was appointed to create a logo after the ad agency Wells, Rich and Greene came up with the phrase "I Love New York".
The typeface is American Typewriter (designed by Joel Kaden and Tony Stan).
This identity has been copied and developed by so many people it feels like it is public domain, but it's not.
I would have thought New York city council or Milton Glaser own the copyright (I guess maybe Milton Glaser sold the rights to the logo when he finished the work and got paid).
If you are not copying the exact same phrase and don't copy the shape of the heart and develop it in some way, I think you would be okay (this has been copied so much I can't believe that everyone has been sued - but check with a lawyer specialising in visual copyright!!!).
However, most people that see it will know your reference and realise that it's not all your idea - why not try and come up with something else!
2007-02-26 00:02:32 · answer #1 · answered by RogueFour 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd be careful about using it again, it has been so overdone now. Sony Ericcson have just started a similar thing with the walkman phones using thier green symbol, you could look at how they are using this.
I think if you change the font and layout and you're obviously putting something different to New York then in essence you are making it your own, but people will still relate the two together.
I dont think the people who own the copyright can stop everyone saying "I heart something"!
2007-02-25 21:53:22 · answer #2 · answered by boo 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If it is copyrighted, then only the specific arrangement of font, heart and layout will be protected. The original font was called Cooper Black, so if you avoid using it you'll be OK. I know, I'm a designer, and I've been ripped off so closely so many times I take it as a compliment these days. There's sod all I can do about it.
Edit: the person below me is right about the font on the original. So ignore my Cooper comment.
2007-02-25 22:01:54 · answer #3 · answered by Hypergluco 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
copyright has a life span of 1 50 yrs . Heart is a universal symbol that no one can copyright or put a patton on . I would say with all my heart that you should be okay to use it relevant to the context as many have used the I ( heart symbolic of love) love slogan .
2007-02-25 15:42:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Well, i remember back in the 70's it started out as the symbol for a campaign to improve the image of New York for tourism, etc... so i do believe someone owns the rights to it... probably the city itself....
2007-02-25 15:35:33 · answer #5 · answered by Jebbie 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Contact the Mayors Office and ask about the copy right . I think that is was purchased after 9/11.
2007-02-25 15:35:53 · answer #6 · answered by Ashleigh 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I ♥ New York too!
2007-02-25 17:09:58 · answer #7 · answered by ☞H.Potter☜ 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋