It’s important to remember that Logo Design & Transfer of Copyright is quite a different beast to that of a Trademark, and Registered Trademarks, so it’s very important to know the difference between them; there’s an explanation towards end of this post.
What Does this Transfer of Copyright to Client Form Do?
It’s simply a means for you to pass over your ownership of the logo you designed for your client, to your client.
Once you have done this, then you can no longer claim ownership of that particular design, alter it, sell it etc.
Obviously you ARE the original designer, and allowed to claim the design as one you’ve created, to show in your various portfolios, etc.
For clarity, this is stated in my Contract, just so there’s no horrible misunderstandings.
How do I Use it?
What I used to do: write my name, sign and date the section on the left, then either scan or photo it, and email it to the client. Bit of a faff…
Now I’m using the handy Publish to Web feature in InDesign, and sending that link direct to the client. This has streamlined the process significantly, and helps keep things nice and tidy.
I include an image of the primary logo design in the right column, but tend not to bother referencing all the various logo design lock-up’s in this form.
Should I Charge my Client for This Transfer?
Absolutely not.
→ Download Template: Logo_Design_Transfer_of_Copyright_Template
The main file for download is saved for Adobe InDesign CC 2019; I’ve also provided a InDesign .idml file, and a regular PDF within the ZIP file.
If you need another file format not provided, then please let me know via @thelogosmith and I’ll see what I can muster up.
You are free to alter any of the text, and the design—obviously remove my logo, and the Medicine.com logo and branding—as you see fit.
If you found this template useful, then I’d certainly appreciate a Twitter Like and/or Retweet:
Logo Design Transfer of Copyright Form – InDesign Template for Download https://t.co/RTveJW5Szt pic.twitter.com/9Z15ilVKun
— thelogosmith.co (@thelogosmith) September 25, 2019
Logo Design Copyright and Trademarks
The subject of Logo Design Copyright and Trademarks in regards to brand identity design, was a subject on my ‘to do’ blog article list.
Fortunately I can save some time as there is a great article over at Plagarism Today on this very subject.
Here’s a snippet:
Copyright and Logos
In order for a work to have copyright protection, it must reach a requisite level of creativity. Many logos, however, do not. Since copyright can’t protect a name, colors or the design of the logo, most simple logos simply do not have the required level of creativity to be considered copyrightable. However, many ornate or artistic ones do.
And here lies the confusion with logos. Many of them actually qualify for both trademark and copyright protection. In fact, the entire Omega v. CostCo case hinges in part upon a logo stamped onto a watch being copyright protected (thus making the import of the watch a violation of the copyright).
In short though, if a logo would qualify for copyright protection as a piece of artwork separate from its use as a corporate identifier, it is copyright protected. Nothing in the law makes the two rights mutually exclusive so many logos can and are enforced using both trademark and copyright.
It’s definitely worth a read.
→ Read the article: Trademark, Copyright and Logo Design
Transfer of Copyright Form – InDesign Template for Download
See also: Pricing Guidelines Template & Logo Design Proposal Template