What to do when a client goes to another designer?

Question

A new logo was developed for a client that is to be unveiled in 2 months. The design has been agreed upon and work has been put into designing collateral and a website. A new person was hired to the board of director's for our client and he took the initiative to show our design to another "designer". This designer then took the initiative to redesign our logo. Though it is not very good, it has placed doubt in the mind of our client's decision-maker as to which direction to take, because he kind of likes this other design.

To add to the unethical decisions made:
In the beginning stages, we were advised to not keep their old symbol (an eagle) so we went in different direction. This other designer put the eagle back into the design which is where part of the doubt creeps in. Our client is confused about whether to keep the eagle or not. At first he didn't care about the target audience, but is now concerned that not keeping the eagle will break ties with customers.

Answer 1

Talk to your lawyer and then the client to see where they are at. Work it out with the client first, because taking any legal action if warranted.

This is a great learning lesson in protecting your work, and something that you will need to add to your contract for the next time.

These situations make you stronger, and please join your association so that you can learn from others mistakes such as yours.

Good Luck!

Answer 2

First, put together a list of what the client asked for a how you delivered. For example "Didn't want the Eagle" and "We designed the logo without the Eagle as requested, giving this company a fresh, new look while still maintaining the overall effect." Make as long a list as possible.

Then sit down with the client and go over every detail of the logo and explain why you did what you did. You really have to "sell" this logo to the client. Do NOT bash the other guy's logo.

You may want to offer something else to incorporate the eagle without using it in the same way - just the face, just an outline, maybe just an abstracted version of it?

Answer 3

Make a fresh presentation and see whether things become clear. If not and if the client wants to work with the other designer or start afresh from the scratch, give them a release with a smile and wish them the best and that you will be happy if they get what they want and if needed, you will be willing to work again for them.

Trying to hold them to their legal responsibilities and trying to impress on them the ethics won't be a good strartegy from the information given by you in your question.

Answer 4

was the logo copyrighted? If so you could sure for copyright infringement - and the guy who showed the logo to the other designer should be fired! Isn't there some kind of confidentiality when it comes to protecting company secrets? Its common sense not to go around showing stuff to other people who may steal your the idea!!!

Answer 5

I believe there's a lesson to learn...

you see, what you need to do is better contract. the contract should always say word or two about this.

I believe if it's your work and other designer "copies" your work and claims it yours... this is against the law.

Talk with a lawyer and work out of a plan what to do in such situations.

Answer 6

The other designer has made a derivative work based on your creation. If you haven't been paid in full for your work, you need to talk to an intellectual property lawyer.

Answer 7

well i'm not great at those kinds of thing but base upon your problem it seems that i can smell something fishy going on.. so you should just let it be and hope for the best that your design would soon be noticed,..