As a business owner, you’ve invested time and creativity into your brand’s design. From logos that tell your story to visuals that capture your essence, your brand is more than just an icon—it’s a reflection of your business’s identity. Sometimes, these designs take on a life of their own, becoming symbols that resonate with your audience.
Take, for instance, the iconic Hard Rock Cafe® logo or the clever use of periodic table elements in the “Breaking Bad” title. These logos transcended their original purpose, becoming sought-after items on shirts, bags, and more. Customers not only loved the products and services but were also drawn to the designs themselves.
One of our clients, a bakery owner, experienced this firsthand when a third party started creating pendants that mimicked their logo. It’s a reminder that your logo, if successful, could be reproduced by others—often without your permission. With the rise of print-on-demand services, it’s easier than ever for someone to take your design and sell it on everything from clothing to tumblers.
So, how do you protect your designs from unauthorized use and ensure they benefit your business? Copyright registration is a powerful tool. It allows you to stop unauthorized sales of your designs online, even if you haven’t registered a trademark. To qualify for copyright protection, your logo must be more than just stylized text—it should be a unique, creative design.
Copyright law automatically protects original works the moment they are created. However, to enforce these rights and take action against infringement, registration is essential. It’s your key to shutting down unauthorized use on platforms like Etsy or Instagram.
For example, another client of ours discovered that their unique clothing designs were being sold by a third party on Etsy. This seller even offered to sell the digital file of the design. Thanks to copyright registration, we quickly stopped the infringing sales without resorting to a costly lawsuit.
If you’re worried about others using your design without permission, contact an experienced trademark and copyright attorney. Protecting your intellectual property is crucial to maintaining your brand’s integrity and value.
With over 25 years of experience in intellectual property law, we’re here to help. Reach out today for a complimentary consultation.