Licensing clarification for a logo design with a modified stock element

[julietamyscott]

Hello,

I designed a logo and incorporated an Adobe Stock illustration. The illustration element is about 25% of the logo design. I modified about 35% of the illustration. I have reviewed the image licensing information but need clarification on whether the stock image is okay to use.
If not, what do I need to do to avoid licensing issues down the road?

[Jill_C]

What is your intended use of the asset that includes the stock image ?

[julietamyscott]

I left out an important detail there! The logo is for a small business. 

[Jill_C]

Yes, the license agreement allows you to incorporate a stock asset into your design for use by the company.

[Abambo · Accepted solution]

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@Jill_C wrote:

Yes, the license agreement allows you to incorporate a stock asset into your design for use by the company.

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But not exacly for a logo. You can't claim logo protection, at least not for the stock part. And that will make the logo unusable (well, unenforceable if challenged).

Section 7.1 C of the licensing terms: Restrictions.

Look here for more information on licensing: https://community.adobe.com/t5/stock/links-for-licensing-terms/td-p/11366788
(Disclaimer: As always with licensing, this is my interpretation of the rules. I think they are correct and advice is based on reading and interpreting the licence terms and on fair use for both the buyer and the artist/stock company, but I cannot rule out that my interpretation is wrong. I'm not an Adobe employee).

[JulietAmyScott]

So, if it is not a registered trademark and the stock image is available for use (to others) then perhaps it is feasible? I am considering my options. Thank you for your input. 

[Jill_C]

Reread the post above yours. You cannot incorporate a copyrighted asset (the stock image) into your design and then claim logo protection. If you're willing to forego the protection of your logo, I suppose it's okay. 

[Abambo]

So, if it is not a registered trademark and the stock image is available for use (to others) then perhaps it is feasible? I am considering my options. Thank you for your input. 

By @JulietAmyScott

A logo is an identifier, mostly for a company. Look at apple. They are vigorously defending their brand. If they would not be able to do that,you would see a lot of phones and other items with their logo on, but not coming from apple. Even as a small business you would like to be able to protect your brand. You can't do that with stock assets. 

You can use stock assets to create logo designs, but if you cannot protect them, they are of little value. I often used stock assets for company internal logos to brand internal programs, like training, health&safety days or things like that. Even our logo for creative thinking was from stock, which was not very creative, but fast and easy and economical.