Participating Frequently

Answered

Logo image licensing

Forum|Forum|8 years ago
April 12, 2017
8 replies
33630 views

It's standard policy that you can't use a stock image for your logo or trademark. Understood.

But it's bugged me for a long time that there are loads of images on Adobe stock that are clearly marked as a logo. I can't see what purpose they would serve for anything else. In fact if you search for "logo" you get nearly 1.5 MILLION results.

So my question is ...what are the rules governing a stock graphic that is clearly intended to be used in a logo? Why would Adobe accept them if they are restricted from being used for their intended purpose?

I'm currently researching ideas for a water-based logo. There are lots of great splash and droplet vectors that are labelled as logos. Can I use them or not? It's baffling.

Thanks.

Correct answer Sheena Kaul

Okay Sheena. I have read the entire thread including your replies ... and I am still lost. That in itself is a problem. I don't see a definitive answer from Adobe.

I have just this minute signed-up for the PS 30-day trial. I run a micro-business and, although successfully trading for five months, am developing my logo, hence the trial. I am seriously looking for an image, preferably an illustration, that represents my business in education, to use on my stationery etc..

Can I or can I not use the images offered up in this trial? I'm in the middle of a busy day but this is important. I'm not in design and clearly have to gen up on licences but I loosely understand copyright. Please simplify your response so that I can add value to my efforts today.

Appreciated.

Hi Maxine,

The Adobe Stock assets cannot be used as logos.

Regards,

Sheena

izzy m

Participant

so can i use this logo yes no

YES NO

D

Daniel21828508b8vi

Participant

So, question! If I am making a holiday post for facebook, can i put my logo on the Standard Licensed Adobe stock photo and post it?

Abambo

Community Expert

So, question! If I am making a holiday post for facebook, can i put my logo on the Standard Licensed Adobe stock photo and post it?

By @Daniel21828508b8vi

Yes, why not? You do not use a stock asset as a logo.

ABAMBO | Hard- and Software Engineer | Photographer

O

osisis

Participant

Abambo, thank you for your response. That is what I thought and just wanted to make sure.

Abambo

Community Expert

You’re welcome.

ABAMBO | Hard- and Software Engineer | Photographer

O

osisis

Participant

This question was asked over 2 years ago and scrolling this post and others I am unable to find a single response that answers the question. Even the attempted condescending remarks by Abambo don't actually answer the question at hand. As mentioned a number of times in this post by commentors, Adobe has thousands of images that are tagged as "logo". Other sites that specifically prohibit logo use go into detail that these type images/tags aren't even allowed to be uploaded and they actively prevent them from being uploaded to their sites. Adobe, obviously, does not. So, if one were to take a vector image (so not a full stock image), modify it, then add onto it with many other elements to create a brand new, unique image for a logo would that go against the terms? And please don't just respond with a link to the FAQs that have been shared multiple times and do not answer the question.

Abambo

Community Expert

osisis wrote
So, if one were to take a vector image (so not a full stock image), modify it, then add onto it with many other elements to create a brand new, unique image for a logo would that go against the terms?

No, that wouldn't be against the terms. As long as the resulting design is unique...

The problem is that logos need to be exclusive individual branding and anything on stock isn't. So it is not apt to be used in logos.

ABAMBO | Hard- and Software Engineer | Photographer

christopherb52711096

Participating Frequently

This answer is self-contradicting and makes the topic at hand even more confusing.

christopherb52711096

Participating Frequently

I am currently struggling with grasping the this concept as well. I work with an in-house marketing department that requires original event and conference branding constantly, which all require unique "logos" or identities. I have seen an incredible amount of images and graphics labeled as logos that would work as solutions for many of my needs, yet I'm told I cannot use a download as an official "logo."

I'm very disappointed with the staff outreach that has taken place in this thread. After being asked very reasonable questions by paying customs, the inflection of the adobe reps has been mildly rude and in poor taste (i.e. "there is no way you can buy a logo for $10...) I think it's safe to say that anyone who is taking an interest in this thread knows the value of a logo.

Is there anyway to contact the original uploader of a stock download to discuss the potential options of exclusive ownership? I understand there is plenty of more complications that go along with this, but it doesn't seem completely absurd to ask. If not, I believe adobe should evaluate this as a possibility because this will turn into a massive problem in the future. Many of your users will be taking something that says "insert your company name here" and do just that, without knowing that they are in violation. It's almost like baiting someone into a trap.

SooBrett, I completely understand your frustration and think it definitely needs addressing on adobe's end.

Abambo

Community Expert

christopherb52711096 wrote
Is there anyway to contact the original uploader of a stock download to discuss the potential options of exclusive ownership?

No, there is no way to to contact the original uploader.

If you need constantly logos, you should hire a graphic designer.

ABAMBO | Hard- and Software Engineer | Photographer

christopherb52711096

Participating Frequently

I am a graphic designer. I do create my own logos, lots of them. I understand the value and time that it takes to produce great logos. If you read my post above, I mentioned the constant branding we do for events, bootcamps, workshops, and conferences. The workload can become very high in volume from time to time, and it would be helpful to use these "logos" (as advertised) if in a pinch from time to time. I understand the policies, I'm just saying it could be worth reviewing them as well. Also, you're inflection comes off as passive aggressive and distasteful. Thanks for being slightly helpful.

M

michec23975166

Participant

Was there an answer given?

Abambo

Community Expert

There is a correct answer (an answer marked “correct”)… What do you want more?

ABAMBO | Hard- and Software Engineer | Photographer

A

athenah79793711

Participant

I agree, I don't understand how they can lost their stock image as a logo but we can't use it as such

Kanikas

Community Manager

Hi SooBrett,

Please refer the legal terms of use for Adobe stock images:

http://www.adobe.com/content/dam/acom/en/legal/servicetou/Adobe_Stock_Terms-en_US-20161015_2200.pdf

Hope this helps you understand where and how you can use the images.

Feel free to update the thread for any query.

SooBrettAuthor

Participating Frequently

Hi Kanikas

Yes, I already saw under the restrictions that you cannot "Incorporate the work into a trademark or service mark".

That means logo, right?

I'll try rephrasing my questions:

1: Why are you offering 1.5 million logo graphics if nobody can legally use them?

2: Are there different rules if an image is actually tagged as a logo?

It's the anomaly that I'm questioning!

Thanks.

Kanikas

Community Manager

You need to have complete ownership of the image you use for your company logo since logos are intended to be registered and protected to prevent other companies or organizations from using the same image. Because Adobe Stock only grants a right to use images and does not transfer the ownership, these images cannot be used in or as a logo.On Stock website, we have images and not logos that can be used.

Refer: Common Questions, Adobe Stock

You may also Contact Customer Care for help.

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