Derivative Logo Concepts – When it becomes Logo Theft

Designing a logo requires originality. Yet some times you will come across logos that remind you of another logo design. Sometimes these logos have been inspired by other designs, but other times they have simply been copied and altered. A designer might create a simple and beautiful logo only to realize later that it has already been designed by someone else before.

Today’s post focuses on the 3 main kinds of ‘derivative’ logo concepts that you will find in the graphic design industry, at large unfortunately. Most of these lead to trademark infringement, copyright issues and a guaranteed bad reputation for the logo designer.



1. The ‘Supposed’ Inspiration

The most common form of derivative concept happen when logos have:

• > Subconscious Similarity – having seen thousands of logos, there is a chance that a designer might subconsciously, or unknowingly, create a logo resembling another which may not be original
• > Innocent Resemblance – the influences on the logo might not seem identical but the resemblance is almost apparent
• > Element Duplication – Sometimes certain elements of a logo might be similar to another. However as long as the entire logo doesn’t look like a duplicate copy, this might be ignored
• > Triggers Recognition – when a logo has more striking resemblance, it will trigger recognition immediately and you can’t help but feel that you have seen it before. Some symbols are so common that they are bound to be repeated eventually

WARNING – Don’t let it be Common!

Understand the difference between influence and outright copying

• > Seek inspiration but Don’t Copy
• > Don’t base your logo on someone else’s work. This is Not Encouraged
• > Do not Plagiarize. It’s a serious crime
• > Don’t alter an Original design and present it as your own

2. The Unintentional Duplication

One of the most frustrating identity crisis to happen in the logo design industry happens when there is:

• > Usage of Common Symbols – when logo designers use common symbols for inspiration, logos are likely to have commonality and resemblance to other logos. For instance, using the yin yang symbol
• > Unintentional Rip Off – such logos are generally ‘unintentional’ rip offs. The logo designer might not have consciously copied a design but unconsciously created a replica of an image s/he had seen before

WARNING – Very Unfortunate!

Conduct an extensive research to make sure identical marks don’t exist.

• > Diligently verify your creations
• > Owners of the logo design should get their designs trademarked or register the copyright.

3. The Complete Rip Off

It’s logo theft if it has all or most of the following elements:

• > Replicating the Logo – copying another logo pixel by pixel, right down to the very basic elements
• > Perfectly Identical – one look at the logo and you can tell that the ‘similarities’ are no coincidence
• > Seemingly Alike – the logo bears an uncanny resemblance to another logo. Just has some minor differences like a different color, font etc.

WARNING – Beware and Stir Clear!

This tactic is not encouraged.

• > It’s illegal and immoral
• > This is logo theft
• > It can be easily discovered
• > Will lead to a Copyright Problem
• > You will lose your reputation as a designer
• > Client will have to face the hassle of Trademark Infringement
• > Don’t steal just to save time and energy. Be original!

It is not “smart designing” if it is copied. It is a shameless act that will eventually get caught and lead to disastrous consequence for both, the company and more so for the logo designer.

How to Avoid ‘Deriving’ Logos – The Solution

Intentionally or by accident, using someone else’s idea as your design is just wrong. Logo designers should strive for originality and create their designs intelligently. Logo designers need to work honestly and come up with original concepts in order to gain more clients. Here’s what you need to do as a logo designer:

• > Push Yourself and your limits
• > Be Original and Unique
• > Do Your Research to be sure your idea is not ‘derived’
• > Try your best to make your logo stand out in the sea of sameness
• > Make use of your creative talent and produce fresh and original logos
• > Derivative logo concepts must be discouraged in all forms

Stealing someone’s logo or ‘deriving’ an idea from another design only goes to show that you have no regard for the original idea and its designer. By committing to excellence you not only show your appreciation of other designers in the industry but also stand up against logo theft.