Trademark basics: What you need to know

As designers, we share a responsibility in making sure we have a basic understanding of the laws surrounding the creation of artwork and how it affects our clients. There are a lot of serious issues which could arise by not knowing what’s legal and what’s not. Whether you’re being tasked with creating a logo or even a sign, a basic understanding of the law can help keep you— and your client—out of trouble.

On some level, I wish I hadn’t needed to learn so much about trademark law and trademark infringement over the years. I can remember thinking it was an interesting paradox the first time someone stole our work and used it for another client: Someone thought enough of your work to steal it.

But that bemusement disappears when you consider the reality of what’s happened. Someone has taken the intellectual property of one person, and used it without permission or compensation. And the owner of that intellectual property has had something of value stolen from them.