Hello all
I'm currently building a website for a client. It's for a commercial generator business and as the display of previous work he's done, he wants me to use logos of major corporations (i.e. Warner Brothers, Showtime, HBO, ect...). My first question is does this violate copyright if I find a logo on a Royalty Free photo site. I would think if it's on there, that means it is ok to use. But considering I can not find any of the logos I need on the usual suspects, Big Stock, iStock, fotolia and Microsoft , then I'm guessing there is a good chance they are not to open to sharing these images. I've seen some of these logos on other websites, but they were major corporations as well.

Does anyone have any knowledge or insight regarding my dilemma?
Thanks in advance and have a fantastic day!
Dawn

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Dawn Lawson | At Your Service
http://freelanceadminsupport.com

I would think that it is your client's responsibility to obtain permission to use the logos from these companies. Does your contract state that the client is responsible for obtaining copyright permissions, etc.? If so, I wouldn't use it. Ultimately it's your client's product but I'd be sure proper permissions were obtained before using the logos.

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Julia

I am with Julia on this, check what kind of permission your client has with regard to the logos. If he has done work for them before than he will be able to check with these companies.
Let us know the outcome if possible.

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Vicky
www.c-vas.eu

Hi Dawn,

You and/or your client may also want to check out the websites of the companies you mentioned. Sometimes a site will have links like "Legal" or "Trademarks" in which they specifically define the conditions for use of their logos, etc.

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Leslie
Virtually Done!

Thanks for your help ladies. My dilemma is the "client" is a friend of the family so I didn't create a contract. (I know, shame on me!) He has provided me graphics to use because I explained that I did not want to be responsible for copyright violations. He said these graphics are reprintable. Maybe I should put together a closing contract stating all content and graphics were provided by XYZ and my company cannot be held liable for any copyright violations. I feel bad but as a family friend, he should understand my concerns.
And this is why they say don't mix business with personal relationships!

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Dawn Lawson | At Your Service
http://freelanceadminsupport.com

Originally Posted by Dawn~AtUrServic

And this is why they say don't mix business with personal relationships!

I think we've all done that Dawn. I have done work with a neighbour and didn't bother with a contract. I'm not that concerned because he's a reasonable person but going forward, even close friends will have to sign a contract.

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Julia

I would just find a nice way to say .. hey just to protect everyone let's make sure we have permission for these.