A recent case of a possible stolen logo identity is between the well known Australian super store Woolworth’s redesign and the ever so popular, Apple logo. The recent redesign of the Woolworth’s logo, which is a peeled apple in the shape of a “W,” has created a stir since it slightly resembles Apple’s famous icon. Apple has pleaded with the government agency in charge of Australian trademarks to deny Woolworth’s application for the logo change. The decision has not yet been made, but if Woolworths wins,  they will have the right to put the logo on all their products, even their electronics.

Is this really a case of theft or does Apple just want to trademark anything that has the do with the popular fruit? What do you think?

-Nora Reed

Apparently these logos are known all over the world and with people having knowledge of a logo’s fame; they sometimes use this to their advantage. A logo that is already known is easier to market rather than starting from scratch. Some sellers may even just change the logo slightly to avoid a copyright issue, but other just steal the idea anyway to sell more of their own products. Is it ok for people to do this without giving necessary credit to the original designer? Or, are they already offering credit by displaying the logo everywhere? I found these photos interesting and wanted to share how logos can gain so much popularity globally that they are used even for imitation to try to sell a product.

Although these may be comical, they clearly show how a brand identity transcends the global market. It doesn’t matter how developed or sound a nation’s economy is at the time, a famous logo can still sell a product. It comes down to popularity once again when the whole idea is selling and people know that familiarity sells because people can trust what they are buying, or at least think they can. That’s what branding is all about.