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Wrong rejection of image

Forum|Forum|2 years ago
March 8, 2024
7 replies
1550 views

Can anyone explain the process for rejection in details, i have made a lot of environment and recycle images, both jpg and PNG files, two files was rejected today because Adobe claims that the recycle symbol is a trademark / copyright, I talk about the symbol with 3 arrows forming a circle, it is used widely in the whole world, a little research today shows that this recycle image is not copyrighted or trademarked in any way and is public domain, free to use, but Aobe still claims it is a trademark, is there any place where i can complain to adobe about the review process?
attached an example here also.

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Correct answer daniellei4510

Rejections are final and there is no way to appeal.

Abambo

Community Expert

When I look at the data in the database, I see a lot of recycling symbols, but as I always say: one acceptance does not grant an obligation to accept your asset. But I've found also assets that violate a trademark:

Der Grüne Punkt is a registered trademark of Duales System Deutschland. The symbols above (arrow) are very close to this logo, but the designer was lucky until now.

ABAMBO | Hard- and Software Engineer | Photographer

Abambo

Community Expert

For me, this is a quality issue. If the moderator really meant the IP refusal, then it's by error.

ABAMBO | Hard- and Software Engineer | Photographer

T

Torben IversenAuthor

Participant

The image i provided here with my post was not one of them uploaded, i just uploaded it so people could see what i was talking about, the images that was rejected was drawn and designed fully by me, and then i draw in the recycle symbol, i got message back from Adobe that it was rejected because of trademark issues, so it had nothing to do with quality on the image, but as i have designed all images myself, it will be easy to go into Photoshop, and just deactivate the layer with the symbol, and then upload them for review 🙂 i was just very surprised that the review team would reject it because of that symbol, but it is just 30 minutes of work to remove the symbols and all the work i have done is ready for upload 🙂

Abambo

Community Expert

i got message back from Adobe that it was rejected because of trademark issues, so it had nothing to do with quality on the image,

By @Torben Iversen

So you are thinking that a moderator who refuses by error your asset does not make an error with the refusal reason selection? Strange assumptions.

But let me be clear: we comment on what you have posted, if that was not the refused asset, keep it, do not post it. What you have posted has quality issues. Period.

There are so much possibilities that can be wrong and trigger an IP refusal, that it is not always what you think that it is that triggers the refusal.

Have a nice day.

ABAMBO | Hard- and Software Engineer | Photographer

Abambo

Community Expert

The recycle symbol is in the public domain, so if you got an IP refusal, that refusal is by error. However, as there is no way to contest refusals, you have either the choice to resubmit or to abandon.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recycling_symbol#:~:text=The%20recycling%20symbol%20is%20in,recycling%20symbol%2C%20royalty%2Dfree.

However, there may also be a different aspect of your asset protected by IP!

ABAMBO | Hard- and Software Engineer | Photographer

Ricky336

Community Expert

This is MS Copilot's answer:

The universal recycling symbol, consisting of three chasing arrows folded in a Möbius strip, is internationally recognized as a symbol for recycling ¹. However, it’s essential to understand that this symbol does not represent intellectual property (IP) protection itself. Let’s delve into the details:

Patents: A patent grants exclusive rights to inventors for new products or processes. While there isn’t a specific symbol for patents, patent owners often mark their products with the patent number or the term “patent” to notify others of their rights ².

Trade Secrets: Trade secrets are valuable practices, processes, or information that give a business a competitive edge. There’s no specific symbol for trade secrets, but they are typically labeled as “confidential” when shared with others ².

Trademarks: Trademarks identify the source or owner of goods or services. Ownership arises from using the mark, even if it’s unregistered. Registering a trademark offers significant advantages, including listing the mark in the national database and pursuing infringement actions in federal court ².

In summary, the universal recycling symbol itself is not protected by IP rights. However, it serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility to recycle and care for the environment. 🌍♻️

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Adobe is playing it safe. If it looks like a Trademark symbol, then it is! They are probably not going to research what is and what is not protected by IP.

Jill_C

Community Expert

They generally "play it safe" when it comes to IP, but often inconsistently. I've had some images from a series (state capital buildings and interiors) accepted and others rejected for IP.

Jill C., Forum Volunteer

George_F

Community Expert

From what I've seen here on the forums, Adobe usually doesn't accept IP that is in the public domain or has creative commons licenses. If that is the situation you are describing. You must be the sole owner of all of the IP in your image. A quick search about the subject revealed a case where a company tried to trademark the logo unsuccessfully. I have a feeling this is a symbol that no one can hold the IP rights to.

And Adobe may be more stringent than the law allows for, if it serves their best interests. A lawsuit is much more expensive than any one asset will ever generate in revenue.

George F, Photographer & Forum Volunteer