When in doubt, it's best to consult an experienced attorney to learn whether you should use a trademark or logo. The United States Patent and Trademark Office ( USPTO) cannot decide if a certain use falls under the 'fair' category or even advise on any trademark violations. Unfortunately, there is no hard and fast rule determining what 'fair use' actually means. This scenario could result in a company complaint. You also don't need to ask formal permission from a corporation to use its logo if the usage doesn't create any impressions that the logo endorses or associates with another company. Fair use includes using a logo in editorial content, among other situations. The United States trademark law as stated in the Lanham Act allows a non-owner of a registered trademark to make ' fair use' of it without permission.

However, receiving permission gives you the legal right to go ahead and use it without worrying about any repercussions. The trademark law naturally grants legal protection to its owner against anyone using it unlawfully. Getting permission to use the logo of other businesses is essential because doing so provides your party with legal protection from trademark infringement. Trying to replace a company's logo with your own goes against the company's written policy and is never allowed without a written agreement. A policy may indicate that the retailer or reseller can never change the trademark or corporate logo appearing on company products.

More than that, trademarked companies often have resale policies for their products. However, even then, third parties cannot use logos as part of their marketing campaigns without a specific agreement. Depending on the company, the logo program may state any specific requirements and technological compatibility, company relationships, and program membership information. In certain cases, a person or company involved in logo programs give third parties standing permission to use their trademarks. Third parties should never use someone else's logo without a licensed agreement, including program and corporate logos. Include a description of why you are asking and how the logo will be used. To get permission and avoid trademark infringement, write a letter to the trademark owner. A person or company should never use a trademark or logo without written permission from its owner.

Other than these two instances, you should never assume you can use a trademarked logo. You need permission to use a logo unless it is for editorial or information purposes, such as when a logo is used in a written article or being used as part of a comparative product statement. With over 800,000 products awaiting your custom imprint, we can’t wait to get started on your next project.Updated September 6, 2021: Can You Use Logos Without Permission?Ī logo or trademark is any photograph, word, or symbol used to identify a brand, service, or product. From the creation and development of online stores to our in-house fulfillment services, Show Your Logo has the flexibility and adaptability to take on all kinds of challenges related to creation and distribution of promotional products and logo apparel. There’s a whole team at Show Your Logo excited to help you solve the pain points related to your evolving needs. Count on our in-house graphic designers, boasting 35 combined years of experience.

Whether you discover new promotional ideas on our website, get a winning recommendation from your rep, or require a custom product outsourced from overseas, Show Your Logo will provide promotional products and apparel that meet your needs and budget. Lightyears beyond a one-and-done t-shirt printer, we’ll get to know you as well as your business or organization. Your one-on-one relationship with one of our dedicated sales reps ensures a professional, second-to-none experience. Show Your Logo is a stand-out when it comes to customer service.

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