Graphic Design Copyright Infringement Examples

In the fascinating world of graphic design, creativity, and originality are highly valued.

Designers invest their passion and dedication into their work, endeavoring to craft unparalleled visual marvels.

But what happens when the lines between inspiration and imitation become blurred?

Enter the complex realm of graphic design copyright infringement, where even the smallest resemblance can lead to legal battles, financial loss, and damaged reputations.

Join us as we delve into graphic design copyright infringement examples, uncovering the intricacies of this captivating and often controversial topic.

Understanding Copyright in Graphic Design

Copyright is a legal concept that grants creators of original works, including those in graphic design, exclusive rights to their creations.

It essentially ensures that designers and artists retain control over the usage, replication, and dissemination of their creations by safeguarding their intellectual property.

Graphic design involves a variety of visual elements, including logos, illustrations, website layouts, typography, and digital art, that are subject to exclusive rights.

When a designer creates an original piece of work, they automatically hold the rights of ownership of that work, unless they have signed a contract that transfers those rights to someone else, such as an employer or a client.

Having copyright protection allows designers to prevent unauthorised use of their work and seek compensation if someone infringes upon their rights.

Designers need to understand copyright laws and how they apply them to their creations to protect their work and avoid infringing on the rights of others.

What You Can’t Copyright in Graphic Design?

While copyright protection covers many aspects of graphic design, certain elements, and ideas cannot be copyrighted.

Designers need to understand these limitations to avoid misconceptions about their rights.

Here are some things that cannot be copyrighted in graphic design:

Ideas and concepts: Its protection applies to the tangible expression of an idea, not the idea itself. For example, you may have an idea for a unique business logo design, but until you create a visual representation of that idea, it cannot be copyrighted.

Familiar symbols and designs: Common symbols, shapes, or design elements that are widely recognised and used in the public domain cannot be copyrighted. This includes basic geometric shapes, arrows, or universally known symbols like the recycling symbol.

Typography and lettering styles: Although unique typeface designs can be copyrighted, basic typography and lettering styles that are commonly used cannot be protected. For example, you cannot legally protect the use of bold or italic lettering.

Colors: Individual colors or color combinations cannot be copyrighted. However, the specific arrangement of colors within an original design may be protected by copyright.

Slogans and short phrases: The protection of ownership rights does not extend to slogans, catchphrases, or short text elements in a design.

While these elements cannot be copyrighted, they may be eligible for trademark protection if they meet certain criteria.

Functional design elements: Design elements that serve a functional purpose rather than an artistic one cannot be copyrighted. For example, a design element intended to improve a website’s usability or navigation would not be eligible for legal protection.

It is worth emphasising that even if these elements do not qualify for legal protection, designers can still ensure the protection of their work through other legal avenues, such as patents or trademarks, depending on the design’s intended purpose and characteristics.

Examples of Graphic Design Copyright Infringement

Logo Plagiarism

One common example of copyright infringement in graphic design is logo plagiarism.

This occurs when a designer creates a logo that is strikingly similar to an existing copyrighted logo.

Such infringement can lead to legal disputes and damage the reputation of the designer and the company using the plagiarised logo.

Related Article: Logo copyright infringement examples

Image Reproduction

Copying and using copyrighted images without permission is another common infringement.

This can include using photographs, illustrations, or digital artwork in designs without obtaining a license or consent from the copyright holder.

Web Design Infringement

Web design infringement occurs when a designer reproduces an existing website’s design or layout without permission.

This can include copying code, images, or overall structure, which may lead to copyright claims.

Real-World Examples of Graphic Design Infringement

Apple vs. Prepear

In 2020, Apple filed a lawsuit against the meal-planning app Prepear, claiming that Prepear’s fruit logo was too similar to Apple’s iconic logo.

Prepear’s logo featured a pear shape with a leaf, while Apple’s logo is an apple with a bite taken out of it and a leaf.

The two companies eventually settled, with Prepear agreeing to modify its logo.

The Associated Press vs. Fairey Case

While President Obama was making his 1st bid for the presidency in the year 2008, renowned street artist Shephard Fairey produced the Hope poster.

Although not officially affiliated with the campaign, the poster became a symbol for Obama’s presidential bid.

In 2009, it was revealed that Fairey had based his design on a photograph taken by Mannie Garcia, a freelancer for the Associated Press (AP).

The AP demanded compensation for the use of the photo in Fairey’s design.

Fairey, however, argued that his use of the image constituted fair use, as it didn’t diminish the original picture’s value.

Outcome

Fairey and the AP reached a private settlement in January 2011, agreeing to share the profits generated by the poster.

Significance

While there was no court case or formal verdict, this incident sparked a widespread debate about the value of intellectual property in copyright disputes.

The popularity of Garcia’s photograph might not have reached such heights if not for Fairey’s adaptation.

Garcia himself expressed pride in Fairey’s artistic interpretation and the impact it had but took issue with Fairey using the image without permission or proper credit.

Apfelkind vs Apple

The case of Apfelkind, a small cafe in Bonn, Germany, taking on tech giant Apple and winning may seem insignificant, but it highlights the importance of standing up for one’s rights, no matter how small the stakes may seem.

In a two-year legal correspondence, Apfelkind’s owner, Christin Römer, refused to back down against Apple’s objections to her company’s trademark logo, and ultimately, Apple withdrew its objection.

Rights a Graphic Designer Have?

As a graphic designer, you are generally granted the following exclusive rights under copyright law:

• Reproduction right: This gives you the exclusive right to make copies of your graphic design work. It means that no one else can reproduce your work without your permission. This includes making physical copies, such as prints or merchandise, or digital copies, such as uploading the design online.
• Distribution right: This gives you the exclusive right to distribute your graphic design work to the public. It means that no one else can sell, lease, or rent your work without your permission. This includes physical distribution, such as selling prints or merchandise, and digital distribution, such as selling digital copies online.
• Derivative work right: This gives you the exclusive right to create derivative works based on your graphic design work. A derivative work is a new work that is based on the original work, such as a new design that incorporates elements of the original design. It means no one else can create a derivative work based on your design without your permission.

It’s important to note that these rights are not absolute and there are certain limitations and exceptions to copyright law.

For example, the fair use doctrine allows for limited use of copyrighted material without permission for purposes such as criticism, commentary, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, or research.

What is the Length of Copyright Protection for Graphic Design?

The duration of copyright protection for graphic design varies depending on the jurisdiction and the specifics of the work.

However, most countries follow similar guidelines for determining the length of ownership protection.

In general, the duration of its protection for graphic design is based on the life of the creator plus a certain number of years after their death.

Designers need to be aware of the copyright duration in their specific country or region to ensure they understand their rights and the rights of other creators when using or creating graphic design works.

Once the copyright term has expired, the work enters the public domain, which means it can be used freely by anyone without seeking permission from or providing compensation to the original creator.

Noteworthy Information About Copyright for Designers.

Understanding copyright is essential for designers to protect their work and avoid infringing on the rights of others.

The following list of six essential copyright facts is for designers:

Automatic protection: As soon as an original design is created and fixed in a tangible medium, such as on paper or in a digital file, it is automatically protected by copyright.

There is no need to register the work or include a copyright notice, although doing so can offer additional legal benefits in some jurisdictions.

Copyright Registration benefits: While not mandatory, registering your work with the appropriate copyright office can provide additional legal benefits, such as the ability to sue for infringement, seek statutory damages, and recover attorney’s fees in some countries like the United States.

Know the limits of copyright protection: Not everything in graphic design can be copyrighted.

Familiarise yourself with the limitations of copyright protection, such as the inability to copyright ideas, concepts, familiar symbols, colors, and functional design elements.

• Designs vs. style: While your specific designs are protected by copyright, your general design style is not. Others may create designs that have a similar style to yours without infringing on your ownership rights.

Fair use and other exceptions: Some jurisdictions, like the United States, have a legal doctrine called “fair use,” which allows for limited use of copyrighted material without permission under certain circumstances.

Understanding fair use and other exceptions to copyright can help designers navigate the complex world of copyright law and avoid potential legal issues.

Obtain licenses and permissions: If you want to use legally protected material in your designs, make sure to obtain proper licenses and permissions from the rights holder.

This may involve paying a fee, signing a licensing agreement, or adhering to specific usage terms set by the copyright owner.

The client does not automatically get the copyright: Unless you have signed a contract that transfers the copyright to the client, you retain the ownership rights to your designs.

Make sure to clearly outline the terms of your ownership rights in your contracts and agreements.

Educate your clients: Many clients may not understand the nuances of intellectual property rights.

It’s important to educate your clients about your rights as a designer and how they can use your designs without infringing on your ownership rights.

Be aware of international differences: Copyright laws can vary significantly from one country to another.

If you are working with clients or collaborators from different countries or sharing your work internationally, it’s essential to familiarise yourself with the laws and regulations in those jurisdictions.

By keeping these eight key points in mind, graphic designers can better understand their rights and responsibilities when it comes to designer rights and create a solid foundation for protecting their work and respecting the rights of others in the industry.

What Is the Significance of Copyright in Graphic Design?

Copyright is crucial in graphic design for several reasons, including protecting original work, encouraging creativity, maintaining professional integrity, and preventing legal disputes.

Let’s explore these aspects in more detail:

Protection of original work: It grants exclusive rights to creators of original graphic design works, such as logos, illustrations, fonts, and web designs.

This legal protection ensures that designers can control how their work is used, reproduced, and distributed, allowing them to benefit from their creativity and effort.

Encouraging creativity: By providing legal protection for original works, it encourages designers to create innovative and unique designs.

This fosters a competitive market where graphic designers are motivated to think outside the box and continually push the boundaries of their craft.

Maintaining professional integrity: It helps maintain the professional integrity of the graphic design industry by discouraging plagiarism and unethical practices.

By respecting the creator’s rights, designers uphold ethical standards and contribute to a healthy professional community that values originality and creativity.

Preventing legal disputes: Respecting copyright laws helps designers avoid legal disputes and potential financial consequences.

Infringing on another designer’s copyrighted work can lead to cease-and-desist orders, compensation for damages, legal fees, and loss of reputation. By understanding and adhering to its laws, designers can protect themselves from such risks.

Fair compensation: It ensures that graphic designers can receive fair compensation for their work. When designers hold exclusive rights to their creations, they can monetise their efforts, sell licenses, or negotiate usage agreements.

This allows designers to build sustainable careers and supports the growth of the graphic design industry.

By understanding and respecting copyright laws, designers contribute to a thriving industry that values innovation and originality.

How to Avoid Graphic Design Copyright Infringement?

To avoid graphic design copyright infringement, designers must be cautious and proactive in respecting the intellectual property rights of others.

Here are some steps to help minimise the risk of copyright violation:

• Create original work: The best way to avoid the infringement of copyright is to create unique and original designs. Draw inspiration from various sources, but ensure that your work is not a direct copy or imitation of protected material.
• Research the copyright status: When using existing design elements, such as images, fonts, or illustrations, research their copyright status. Determine whether they are copyrighted, in the public domain, or licensed under a Creative Commons license that permits certain types of use.
• Obtain permission or licenses: If you want to use copyrighted material in your design, seek permission from the rights holder of that creation. They may grant you a license to use the material or provide guidelines on how to use it legally.
• Use open-source and royalty-free resources: Utilise open-source and royalty-free resources, such as fonts, images, and illustrations, to minimise the risk of copyright infringement. Always check the licensing terms of these resources, as some may require attribution or have restrictions on commercial use.
• Understand fair use: Familiarise yourself with the concept of fair use, which allows the limited use of copyrighted material under specific circumstances, such as education, news reporting, or parody. However, fair use can be complex and subjective, so exercise caution when relying on it as a defense against the infringement.
• Properly attribute sources: When using copyrighted material with permission or under a specific license, provide proper attribution. This can include crediting the original creator, linking back to their website, or following any other guidelines they provide.
• Avoid substantial similarity: Ensure that your design is not substantially similar to an existing copyrighted work. An ordinary observer should not perceive your design as being derived from copyrighted work. Change the overall appearance, layout, and features of the design to create a distinct and original piece.
• Monitor your work: Keep an eye on your designs to ensure they are not being used without your permission. If you discover unauthorised use, address the issue promptly by contacting the infringer or seeking legal advice.
• Educate yourself: Stay informed about copyright laws and best practices in the graphic design industry. This knowledge will help you navigate the complex world of intellectual property and maintain your professional integrity.

By following these steps and being mindful of copyright issues, graphic designers can minimise the risk of infringement, protect their work, and maintain a high standard of professional ethics.

What Level of Difference is Required for a Design to Avoid Copyright Infringement?

To avoid copyright violation, a design must be significantly different from the original copyrighted work.

While there is no precise formula to determine the exact level of differentiation required, there are some guidelines that designers can follow to minimise the risk of copyright infringement:

Originality: The new design must be an original creation that is not a direct copy or imitation of the copyrighted work. While inspiration is acceptable, the design should exhibit creativity and distinctiveness that sets it apart from the original.

Substantial similarity: To avoid infringement, the new design should not be substantially similar to the original work.

Substantial similarity means that an ordinary observer would recognise the new design as being derived from the copyrighted work.

To avoid this, ensure that the overall appearance, layout, and features of the design differ significantly from the original.

Transformative use: If a designer incorporates elements of a copyrighted work into a new design, the use should be transformative.

Transformative use means that the new design adds significant creative elements, changes the original’s purpose or function, or provides new insights or understandings.

Transformative use is more likely to be considered fair use, which is a legal defense against copyright infringement.

Ideas vs. expression: Copyright protects the expression of an idea, not the idea itself. Designers can use general ideas or concepts from copyrighted works as long as the new design represents a unique expression of those ideas.

For example, using a specific color scheme from a copyrighted work may not be an infringement, but copying the exact arrangement of elements and shapes would be.

Understand the scope of copyright: Some design elements, such as basic shapes, colors, and standard fonts, are not eligible for copyright protection.

Designers can incorporate these elements into their work without infringing on a copyright. However, be cautious not to replicate the overall arrangement or appearance of the copyrighted work.

How To Shield Your Creative Work of Graphic Design?

Protecting your graphic design work is essential to maintain control over your creations and prevent unauthorised use.

Here are some steps you can take to safeguard your work:

Understand your rights: Familiarise yourself with copyright laws and intellectual property rights.

As a graphic designer, you automatically have copyright protection for your original work, granting you exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and display your designs.

Add a copyright notice: Although there is no legal requirement, including a copyright notice on your designs can serve as a deterrent to potential infringers.

A typical copyright notice consists of the copyright symbol (©), the year of creation, and the designer’s name.

Register your work: While copyright protection is automatic, registering your work with a copyright office provides additional benefits, such as a public record of your claim and the ability to seek statutory damages in the case of infringement.

The registration process and fees vary depending on your location.

Use watermarks: Adding a watermark to your design, particularly when displaying it online, can deter unauthorised use.

Watermarks can be subtle or prominent, but they should be placed in a way that makes it difficult to remove or alter them without damaging the design.

Create low-resolution versions: When sharing your work online, consider using low-resolution versions. This can discourage unauthorised use, as the quality will be inadequate for most print or commercial purposes.

Monitor your work: Regularly monitor the internet for unauthorised use of your designs. You can use reverse image search engines, such as Google Images, or set up Google Alerts with specific keywords related to your work.

Implement website protection: If you have an online portfolio or website, implement measures to protect your work.

This can include disabling right-click functionality, adding a robots.txt file to prevent image indexing by search engines, and using website plugins designed to protect images.

Establish clear usage terms: Communicate the usage terms and conditions for your designs, including any licensing agreements, fees, or restrictions on commercial use.

Take action against infringement: If you discover unauthorised use of your work, take legal action to address the issue. Start by contacting the infringer with a cease and desist letter. If necessary, seek legal advice or assistance from a copyright expert.

By following these steps and being proactive in protecting your work, you can maintain control over your designs, prevent unauthorised use, and ensure that your creative efforts are respected and valued.

Conclusion

Copyright infringement in graphic design is a complex issue, with many real-world examples highlighting the challenges faced by designers, companies, and artists.

By understanding how copyright law works, being aware of the limitations of fair use, and taking steps to avoid infringement, you can create unique and original designs while respecting the rights of other creators.

FAQs