Is it ok to use Stock Images in your Logo?

R3negade · Jan 11, 2014

Hey guys,

I'm making a simple logo for my web business. I've been looking at multiple stock imagery websites like shutterstock and found some images I really like that I want to merge together and then use photoshop/text editing software to put the name of my business on it.

Are there any legal problems doing this or any downside? I do plan on keeping this temporarily since down the road it would be strange to see other business owners with a very similar logo :dontknow:.

Once my business takes off, I'll hire someone to make the logo professionally.

Any personal experience/advice you guys have will be much appreciated.

stretch361 · Jan 11, 2014

Assuming you are buying the images, yeah, you can do whatever you want.

You could always just have someone off fiverr make you a logo. Some of the designers actually make pretty good logos for $5.

manking · Jan 11, 2014

There's always a small chance of legal action taken against you(if you are not buying images), but you could buy a logo from fiverr for five bucks

sitestem · Jan 12, 2014

Agree with the fiverr, although you've still got to be careful as a lot of the vector images used aren't always licensed.

Beven · Jan 12, 2014

sitestem said:
Agree with the fiverr, although you've still got to be careful as a lot of the vector images used aren't always licensed.

In the past I've purchased many logo design services on Fiverr and I've never been happy with the results.

growbrew · Jan 13, 2014

You should secure a license for any 3rd party material you use. Unless it has a Creative Commons license without a non-commercial and non-derivative clause, you'll have to pay for it. That is the legal side of it, and I usually play this way. But in practice, you'll get away with using unlicensed material while your business is small. Just check that what you're using is not super-popular material distributed by a super-popular licensor (such as Getty Images, these guys can actually take legal actions against you).

sitestem · Jan 13, 2014

Beven said:
In the past I've purchased many logo design services on Fiverr and I've never been happy with the results.

Depends what you're looking for. It's clear that most of them haven't taken much time to produce, but they're much better than anything I could make and for the purpose I need them for they're ideal. Certainly not corporate-standard, but good enough for small sites. Of course, it's not impossible to come across a poor design, it's Fiverr after all...

Nookie Monster · Jan 13, 2014

I've used images from google with no bad effects. One could argue that they are in the Public Domain.

Wilson Grant Fisk · Jan 13, 2014

Nookie Monster said:
I've used images from google with no bad effects. One could argue that they are in the Public Domain.

One would be incorrect but is is unlikely (but still possible) that action would be taken.

igniteimages · Jan 14, 2014

One could argue that they are in the Public Domain

As mentioned above complete rubbish - there isn't such a concept.

The absolutely worst type of organisation to 'steal' an image from is a stock site.

They do everything in their power to look for copyright infringement.

StuartWalker · Jan 14, 2014

If you BUY the stock image then it's OK to use for your logo. If you steal them then it's not OK.

Using Fiverr is all well and good BUT often Fiverr sellers use copyright images themselves so be careful of that.

With a lot of stock images there are conditions such as image can only be used in free publications etc so make sure you check the rules first.

I use PhotoDune and get images for $1.

mickyfu · Jan 14, 2014

If you copy a stock image from Google, how do they actually know you copied it and did not pay for it?

nethead01 · Jan 14, 2014

exactly, what if your logo designer used a stock photo, how the hell they gonna know?

igniteimages · Jan 14, 2014

I'm sure there are companies other than Digimarc operating in this field and probably different methods being used but this gives you some idea of what can be done.

http://www.digimarc.com/digimarc-for-images/enterprise-edition

Daft to 'steal' a stock image IMO.

warhorse701 · Jan 14, 2014

best place to buy logo is on fiverr

Numbuh362 · Jan 15, 2014

Yes you can be sued. It's best to spend $5 on fiverr. I got a decent logo made that I'm very happy with, looks great.

bertbaby · Jan 15, 2014

If you use an image for a logo then pay for it and check for any licensing restrictions as well associated with the image.

Deleted member 708208 · Jan 15, 2014

I never had an issue using stock images for my business. If you are really worried about it then just pay
for the stock images and you are good to go.

-RK

neuroplastic · Jan 16, 2014

Yea...check out fiverr if youre on a budget. You would be surprised what they can do for $5

smartalex · Jan 16, 2014

Nah, as long as you purchase it legally.

But remember though, that stock photos can be big turnoffs for your prospective customers.

Is it ok to use Stock Images in your Logo?

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