Can I use other company's logos for my advertising?
November 28, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Tatiana Krüger
Dear lawyer,
My name is Dennis Fischer and I run a small business specializing in the sale of computer accessories. Lately, I have been considering spicing up my advertising by incorporating logos of well-known tech companies such as Apple, Microsoft, or Samsung into my advertising materials. However, I am unsure if I am allowed to do so without risking legal consequences.
Currently, I only use my own logos and designs in my advertising, but I feel that it is not attracting enough attention. Therefore, I am considering using well-known logos to appeal to potential customers.
My concerns are that I do not want to risk receiving a cease and desist letter or even a lawsuit from the companies involved. I do not want to get into any legal trouble, so I would like to know from you if it is legally permissible to use other companies' logos for my advertising.
Can you provide me with possible solutions on how I can make my advertising more interesting without violating copyrights? I am grateful for any legal advice you can provide me on this matter.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Dennis Fischer
Dear Mr. Fischer,
thank you for your inquiry regarding the use of foreign logos in your advertising. It is understandable that you would like to enhance your company by using well-known tech logos, but it is important to consider the legal aspects in order to avoid legal consequences.
In general, it is not allowed to use foreign logos without the permission of the rights holders. Logos of companies such as Apple, Microsoft, or Samsung are usually protected by trademark law. Using these logos without permission can lead to warnings or even legal action by the affected companies.
To make your advertising more interesting, I recommend that you creatively draw inspiration from the well-known logos without directly using them. For example, you could use similar colors, fonts, or designs to establish a connection to the tech companies without infringing on their copyrights.
Another option would be to contact the companies in question and request a license to use their logos in your advertising. While this may involve costs, it would be the safest and most legal option to avoid legal problems.
It is important to be aware that copyright and trademark law are strict and violations can have serious consequences. Therefore, I recommend seeking legal advice before using foreign logos to ensure that you are acting in accordance with the law.
I hope this information is helpful to you and I am available to answer any questions you may have.
Sincerely,
Tatiana Krüger
