Skip to main content
SooBrett
SooBrett
Participating Frequently
Apr 12, 2017 10:54 AM UTC
Answered

Logo image licensing

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.

    Sheena Kaul
    Sheena KaulCorrect answer
    Legend
    Mar 13, 2018 1:13 PM UTC

    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

    View reply

    47 replies

    izzy m
    izzy m
    Participant
    Feb 25, 2026 2:47 PM UTC

    so can i use this logo yes no

    YES                                                                                                                                                                            NO

    Translate
      Daniel21828508b8vi
      Participant
      Nov 18, 2021 9:03 PM UTC

      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?

      Translate
      Abambo
      Community Expert
      AbamboCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      Dec 21, 2022 1:27 PM UTC
      quote

      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.

      Translate
      ABAMBO | Hard- and Software Engineer | Photographer
      osisis
      Participant
      Jul 23, 2019 3:33 PM UTC

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

      Translate
        Abambo
        Community Expert
        AbamboCommunity Expert
        Community Expert
        Jul 23, 2019 4:13 PM UTC

        You’re welcome.

        Translate
        ABAMBO | Hard- and Software Engineer | Photographer
        osisis
        Participant
        Jul 21, 2019 11:34 PM UTC

        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.

        Translate
          Abambo
          Community Expert
          AbamboCommunity Expert
          Community Expert
          Jul 22, 2019 10:52 AM UTC

          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.

          Translate
          ABAMBO | Hard- and Software Engineer | Photographer
            christopherb52711096
            christopherb52711096
            Participating Frequently
            Jul 22, 2019 12:14 PM UTC

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

            Translate
              christopherb52711096
              christopherb52711096
              Participating Frequently
              Jun 13, 2019 5:55 PM UTC

              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.

              Translate
                Abambo
                Community Expert
                AbamboCommunity Expert
                Community Expert
                Jun 18, 2019 10:38 PM UTC

                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.

                Translate
                ABAMBO | Hard- and Software Engineer | Photographer
                  christopherb52711096
                  christopherb52711096
                  Participating Frequently
                  Jun 18, 2019 10:48 PM UTC

                  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.

                  Translate
                    michec23975166
                    Participant
                    Oct 25, 2018 10:04 PM UTC

                    Was there an answer given?

                    Translate
                    Abambo
                    Community Expert
                    AbamboCommunity Expert
                    Community Expert
                    Oct 25, 2018 10:08 PM UTC

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

                    Translate
                    ABAMBO | Hard- and Software Engineer | Photographer
                    athenah79793711
                    Participant
                    Apr 19, 2017 5:09 AM UTC

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

                    Translate
                      Kanikas
                      Kanikas
                      Legend
                      Apr 12, 2017 12:39 PM UTC

                      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.

                      Translate
                        SooBrett
                        SooBrettAuthor
                        Participating Frequently
                        Apr 12, 2017 1:42 PM UTC

                        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.

                        Translate
                          Kanikas
                          Kanikas
                          Legend
                          Apr 12, 2017 1:53 PM UTC

                          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.

                          Translate
                            Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
                            Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices