Can I use other people's logos on my website?
April 23, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Isabel Tressel
Dear Media Law Attorney,
I operate a website where I report on various topics in the fashion industry. In my posts, I would like to include well-known brands and their logos to make my articles visually more appealing. However, I am unsure if I am allowed to use other companies' logos on my website without facing any legal consequences.
My concern is that I may be infringing on copyrights or violating trademark laws by using logos of companies without their permission. I certainly do not want to get into legal trouble, so it would be very helpful for me to know what regulations I need to follow in order to use logos of other companies legally on my website.
Are there ways in which I can use other companies' logos legally, such as through licensing or a specific form of representation? Or should I refrain altogether from using logos of other companies in my posts? I want to ensure that I am operating within the boundaries of media law and not infringing on the rights of others.
Thank you in advance for your assistance and advice.
Sincerely,
Fanni Lahn
Dear Ms. Lahn,
Thank you for your question regarding the use of third-party logos on your website in the fashion industry. It is understandable that you are concerned about possible legal consequences and want to ensure that you are acting in accordance with media law.
In general, logos and brands are subject to special protection under trademark and copyright law. The use of third-party logos without permission can therefore lead to legal consequences, such as injunction claims, claims for damages, or warnings. It is important to respect the rights of third parties and ensure that you do not violate any intellectual property rights.
To be able to use third-party logos legally on your website, there are basically two options: The first option is to obtain a license or permission from the rights holders of the logos. You can contact the companies directly to obtain written permission to use their logos. In many cases, companies also provide specific terms of use or guidelines for the use of their logos.
The second option is to use the logos within the scope of quotation rights or reporting on the respective brand. This means that you may only use the logos if there is a direct reference to your editorial content and the use is not purely for advertising purposes. It is important that you do not distort the logos or represent them in a misleading manner.
However, it should be noted that the quotation right does not allow for comprehensive use of third-party logos and it always depends on the specific case. Therefore, it is advisable to seek legal advice from a media law attorney in case of doubt to ensure that you are acting in compliance with the applicable laws.
Overall, it is advisable to be cautious when using third-party logos and to resort to alternative visual representations in case of doubt to avoid possible legal risks.
I hope this information is helpful to you and I am available for further questions.
Best regards,
Isabel Tressel
Attorney specializing in media law
