QUESTION
Is it legal to use other company's logos in your website?
Asked on Jan 03rd, 2016 on Patents - Massachusetts
More details to this question:
In the case of displaying the logo of a particular company in a website, to be used ONLY to take whoever clicked on the logo the that company's official online store, would that be legal? I would not be providing any goods or services, I would in fact be helping them on getting more visitors.
2 ANSWERS
You can not use, or include on your web site, another party's logo without their express permission, even if your purpose is to help it obtain additional business.
Answered on Jan 18th, 2016 at 3:08 AM
Appellate Litigation Attorney serving Boston, MA
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Banner & Witcoff, Ltd.
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The likely answer is NO - you cannot use another company's logo without permission. The logo of the other company is a trademark - either under the common law or it may be registered - federally or in a state trademark system. Trademark protection is aimed at preventing customer confusion regarding the ownership, sponsorship and affiliation of users of the mark. Thus, your unauthorized use might cause confusion as to your relationship with the other company - a violation of their trademark rights. Ask for permission. If granted - you are all set. Otherwise, why risk a lawsuit?
Answered on Jan 11th, 2016 at 5:30 PM