DizMailLogo Design Contest

Hi - can I just ask if this is a sanctioned Disney venture? This looks like a great idea, but the Disney Corporation isnt someone we (as designers) should get on the wrong side of! It would help the design if we knew how you are working with them. I know that the typeface and Mickey Mouse ears are trade marks, so its worth making sure before they're used. Many thanks

It is not a sanctioned site so we may need to stear clear of copyrights and trade marks.

Hello! Here are some hints for getting the most out of your contest:

~~ Rank designs daily -- this will encourage more participation.
~~ Ranking designs daily will also keep your contest from getting cluttered.
~~ The more feedback you provide, the better results you are going to see.
~~ Designers are not offended by "Not Interested"
~~ Over-use of "Not Interested" discourages participation.
~~ Ranking is a non-monitary means of showing apprecaition for designers hard work.
~~ Designers earn points for ranked designs. We like to earn points.

More detailed information on how to get the most out of your contest can be found here:
https://logotournament.com/forum/general_discussion/914

Is it serious copyright problem to use circular ear shape such as mine #7 ?

http://www.disneycopyrightviolations.com/?tag=mouse-ears

I think this is a very tricky one to judge - if the logo gives the impression that its part of the disney corporation, then that could be seen as copyright infringement and the designer, the contest holder and even LogoTournament could be held accountable. The word "Diz" is not a trademark, so as long as we avoid any visual reference to Disney characters or the disney typeface, then I think it should be fine.

Yeah I don't see a problem with nzr's. AN envelope with ears is harmless. :)

I dont think you'll be able to use the round ears at all.. especially with the name DizMail since it implies Disney's approval. I wouldnt use anything that could even slightly be associated with Disney... you're looking to lose a lot of money

Well they cant sue me without first asking for its removal. Diz doesn't mean anything and Disney doesn't have a trademark on it. So all and all I think that I can get away with a bit.

LT, what's your opinion? Can u give us direction?

nzr, I am not sure why you withdrew your entry #7 but I am disappointed. I liked that one.

round circles on an envelope hardly is copyrigt infringement...

LT's position on this would be - we facilitate designer/CH interaction. If the CH and a designer choose to risk a lawsuit due to possible copyright infringement, then that is their choice. We cannot intervene in every contest that steps close to what a corporation like Disney might feel is an infringement.

Each CH/designer is also responsible to know the law to a reasonable degree and be prepared to accept consequences.

I agree with EastCoast Creative. I am not sure how I will proceed just yet. I may choose to play it safe but there are a few with ears that I really liked including one that was withdrawn.

should i withdraw my entry?

The problem with this kind of logo is how much it is IMPLIED that the organisation is affilliated with Disney. Whether you use the exact imagery or not, if the impression is given to the general public that the logo is affilliated with the Disney Corporation, then that could be interpreted as copyright infringement. My advice would be to steer clear of anything that looks like a disney emblem (mouse ears, striped white glove, disney font and so on) and create an original logo that fits the style of company.

I will discuss with Tyler. The potential problems this issue could bring is something I think everyone would prefer to avoid.

Bah you guys are scaring away all the ones I like. Its unfortunate because I don't think there will be any problems. I have seen many Disney theme sites that are not affiliated with Disney in any way that use Disney images, font, etc...

Turnkey, there are many companies not affiliated with disney who have used their images, and have been sued for copyright infringement. LogoTournament has to protect itself, as they could legally be held partly accountable if a lawsuit was to arise out of this, while you probably would get away with it, theres a chance you may not, and logotournament cant afford to ruin its reputation, or the extremely expensive lawsuit that is possible. I hope you can understand :)

The Disney font here is a 'free for personal use' or just a plain plagiarism of it that is not commercially acceptable to use. Any designer using it will have their designs removed.

Since this is drawing to a close soon. I wanted to thank everyone for their entries. There are a lot of good ones so far and it is definitely going to be a tough choice. Its not too late though so keep them coming.

Thanks everyone... good work!