How to Copyright a Logo: Step-by-Step Guide

If you want to protect your brand, it’s important to understand how to copyright a logo. This copyright logo guide explains how to secure your design, avoid legal issues, and ensure your logo is protected.

If you want to safeguard your logo from infringement, follow this simple step-by-step guide.

Step 1 – Create an Original Logo

Before you can copyright a logo, it must be original and unique.

Important:

• You cannot copyright names, colours, or common symbols on their own.

• Your logo must be a distinctive piece of artwork to qualify for copyright protection.

• Avoid using generic clip art or stock graphics, as these will not be accepted during the registration process.

If you don’t yet have a professionally designed logo, consider working with a graphic designer to create something unique. This will ensure your brand stands out and is legally protectable.

Step 2 – Check for Existing Use

Before registering your copyright, you must ensure your logo design is genuinely original and not already being used by another business.

You can check this by visiting:

• EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) – to check logos and designs within the EU.

• World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) – for international logo searches.

This helps you avoid legal disputes and ensures your logo is free from potential infringement claims.

Step 3 – Add the Copyright Symbol (©)

Once your logo design is finalised, you may place the copyright symbol (©) on it or beside the design.

You should also include the date of creation, for example:

This isn’t legally required, but it strengthens your claim of ownership and serves as a public notice of your rights.

Step 4 – Consider Trade Mark Protection

Although copyright protects your design, it is also worth considering registering a trade mark to protect your brand name or logo for commercial use.

• UK Trade Mark – protects your logo only in the United Kingdom.

• EU Trade Mark – provides EU-wide protection.

Note: Only the creator of the logo can be listed as the copyright holder. If someone designed the logo for you, make sure the rights are formally transferred to your business.

Step 5 – Register Your Logo

The simplest way to register your logo is online through the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO).

Registration timelines:

• UK Trade Mark: approx. 4–5 months

• EU Trade Mark: approx. 9–12 months

Because this is a legal process, it’s strongly recommended to seek advice from an intellectual property solicitor, particularly if you are registering your logo internationally.

Why Copyrighting Your Logo Matters

By copyrighting your logo, you gain exclusive rights to use and reproduce your design, which:

• Protects your business from copycats and counterfeiters.

• Enhances your brand’s credibility and professionalism.

• Provides a legal basis for action if someone uses your logo without permission.

• Increases the overall value of your brand as an asset.

Need Help Designing a Logo?

If you don’t yet have a strong, original logo, we can help you design a professional, copyright-ready logo tailored to your business.

📞 Call me today: 07498 200 574
💻 Let’s create a logo that protects your brand and makes a lasting impression.