In this guide: Copyright basics | Proof of ownership | Registration vs proof
Can You Copyright a Logo?
Yes, a logo can be protected by copyright as an original piece of artwork or design. Copyright applies automatically when the logo is created.
However, copyright alone does not prove ownership. If your logo is copied or disputed, you may need to show when it was created and that it belongs to you.
Many businesses use services such as Protect My Work to securely store their logo and generate proof of ownership instantly.
How is a Logo Protected?
- Copyright protects the design and artwork
- Trademark protects brand identity and use
- Proof of ownership confirms creation date
Using a combination of these protections provides the strongest protection for your logo.
Copyright vs Trademark for Logos
The table below explains the key differences between copyright and trademark protection:
| Copyright | Trademark | |
| What can be protected? | Original artistic, literary and dramatic works such as logos, websites, songs, music recordings, lyrics, photos, books, training & course materials, product artwork , packaging artwork, drawings, paintings, sculptures, 3d and 2d artwork. poems, scripts, computer software, apps, and dramatic works. | Names, slogans or logos. |
| Registration Required? | No but you WILL have to have indisputably and credibly prove that the work is yours if there is a copyright dispute. | Yes, apply through UK government. International trademarks must be registered with individual countries. The EU can be registered as a block. |
| Registration Process? | Complete the 2 minute registration form on our Register page, then upload your work. | Research – apply – trademark examination – opposition period – approval Click Here For Details |
| If I register a logo that includes a name, is the name also protected? | No. Only the graphic design of the logo is protected. You cannot protect a name using ProtectMyWork.com . | No. You must register two separate trademarks to protect both the name and logo and pay two sets of registration fees. |
| How Long Does It Take? | With ProtectMyWork.com the process is immediate and automated. | Up to 6 months. |
| How Much Does It Cost? | £44.15 (ex. VAT) per year subscription fee. membership fee with ProtectMyWork.com. |
UK Trademarks start at £170. International prices vary. |
| International Protection? | Yes, 182 countries around the world. | No, only in the country that you have a trademark registered. |
| How Long Does Protection Last? | As a general rule: Authors lifetime, plus 70 years. |
Usually 10 years |
| What symbols can I use on my logo? | © ™ | ® |
How to Protect a Logo
- Create your logo
- Save it securely
- Generate proof of ownership
- Consider trademark registration
Protect Your Logo Today
Protect My Work allows you to securely store your logo and generate proof instantly.
Author: Marcus Sen
Marcus Sen is the Co-Founder and Director of Protect My Work and Peppercorn Web Design. After experiencing copyright infringement of his own work, he founded Protect My Work to help creators protect their intellectual property and prove ownership quickly and securely. His platform is now used by authors, musicians, and digital creators worldwide to generate copyright proof and prevent infringement.
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Email: support@protectmywork.com