Did you know that you cannot use any stock photos, illustrations, or icons in your logo? Yes that is correct. Stock photo providers such as istock.com or shutterstock.com do not allow you to use any element in a logo. This is so confusing, since there are graphics specifically for logos.
For example you look through istock and find this really cool icon you would like to use in your logo. Either you or your graphic designer creates the logo with that icon. Well that would be a NO-NO.
Under istock’s Standard License Prohibitions – Prohibited Uses, you know that small type most people don’t read, is this “… the following are “Prohibited Uses” and you may not: 4. use any of the Content as part of a trade-mark, design-mark, trade-name, business name, service mark, or logo;”
So next time you request a logo, get a request, or design a logo, be sure to use your own original design. And please don’t ask a designer to “just use an icon from one of the stock photo sites”.
NOTE: You may however purchase an extended license, but you must check first with the stock provider.
