Copyright

The issue of who owns your logo and corporate designs has been brought to my attention this week. Members should be more clued up on copyright laws, but just in case, make sure you establish who owns what right from the very beginning...

'I’m hearing of several companies in Cumbria who are now facing legal battles over who owns the copyright to their logos and corporate designs. The design agencies seem to have picked up the fact that they own the copyright unless written into the contract at the beginning and a lot of small companies just don’t appreciate this. Therefore when they try to leave the agency – they are being told – you can’t use your logos etc.'

This problem has been around probably as long as the copyright law and it is something that gives marketing a bad name. So, whoever you are that is practicing this nasty exercise just think why the client is leaving you in the first place and don't try to hang on to them in this way.

If you are doing this and you are a member, be warned that The Chartered Institute of Marketing doesn't take too kindly to treating clients this way.