Can I Use a College Logo in an App for Stickers if I Alter It?
Using a college logo in an app for stickers, even if it is altered, can still violate trademark rights. Colleges often have strict policies regarding the use of their logos, so it's best to seek permission or create an entirely original design to avoid legal issues. Exploring my Quora Profile can provide more insights.
Is My Altered Logo Confusingly Similar?
Even if a logo is altered, the standard for trademark infringement is confusingly similar. If your altered logo is deceptively similar to the original, it's highly likely that the average consumer would be confused. I spent a significant amount of time analyzing the logos, and I can still see the similarity between them. If normal people couldn't tell the difference, imagine how easily confused a typical user might be.
The whole purpose of a trademark is to maintain brand identity. If you have altered the logo, it's your responsibility to ensure that users are not confused by the similarity. Every graphic designer I know and have worked with would find this proposed re-work problematic and would strongly caution you not to use it. Even if you think you've altered it significantly, it's crucial to consider the perspective of the average consumer.
Why Not Use a Confusingly Similar Logo?
Using a logo that is confusingly similar to a college's can have severe consequences. First, you risk legal action from the university. If your business or app's identity or success depends on this logo, you're either intentionally confusing people or attempting to co-opt that college's popularity. Both of these intentions make you potentially exposed to a cease and desist notice or a lawsuit.
If you're using a college logo for a geofilter on Snapchat or a sticker for a similar service, you are enabling users to re-brand images taken there with a confusingly similar identity instead of the trademarked one that should be used. If you do this, you should expect to be sued. Even if the alteration seems minor to you, the average consumer may not be able to tell the difference.
Branding Guidelines and Terms of Use
Colleges have strict branding guidelines and terms of use for their logos. It's essential to follow these rules to avoid legal intervention. Failure to adhere to these guidelines can result in a cease and desist notice or a lawsuit. If you're unsure about the specific guidelines, it's best to consult these documents or seek legal advice.
Even if you are confident in your design, it's important to protect yourself and your app from potential legal issues. The reputational damage and legal fees associated with a lawsuit can be substantial. It's better to play it safe and avoid using potentially confusing logos in your app.
Creating an entirely original design for your app stickers is the safest option. This way, you can avoid any trademark issues and ensure that your app is compliant with the guidelines and terms of use of the college logos.
If you're still unsure, it's a good idea to contact the college's marketing office and legal counsel directly. They can provide you with specific guidance on how to proceed and ensure that your app is fully compliant with their branding policies.
For detailed information on college logos and how to use them, refer to the brand guidelines and terms of use provided by the respective institutions. By following these guidelines, you can avoid legal issues and ensure that your app remains legally compliant.
Remember, the purpose of a trademark is to protect the identity of a brand. If you're using a college logo in your app, it's essential to follow the rules and avoid any potential confusions. By doing so, you can protect your app and its users from legal issues.