How to Ensure the Uniqueness of Your Logo
We all like to believe our logo is unique – an emblem that stands out in a sea of brands. In fact, for many businesses, having a distinctive logo is imperative. It's true that in today's creative landscape, no idea is entirely original. However, every business should take simple steps to ensure their logo is genuinely one-of-a-kind.
Not only does this help you avoid the irritating discovery that your customers are mistaking your logo for someone else's. But it also safeguards you from the risk that your logo belongs to a different company, potentially leading to legal trouble. Let's explore some practical ways you can check the authenticity of your logo.
Reverse Image Search on Google
One highly effective method to verify the uniqueness of your logo is by conducting a reverse image search on Google. Google's primary image search has transitioned to Google Lens. However, you can still use an extension like "Search By Image" to perform a classic reverse image search. This tool enables you to select your logo image, drop it into the search bar, and find out if that image exists elsewhere on the internet.
How to Use "Search By Image"
- Step 1: Right-click on your logo image.
- Step 2: Select "Search Google for Image."
- Step 3: Explore the search results to see if your logo appears elsewhere.
Check Stock Image and Portfolio Sites
Another method to ascertain the uniqueness of your logo is slightly more time-consuming but equally effective. Manually searching through stock image and portfolio websites can help you determine whether your logo design already exists.
Websites such as 99Designs and Dribbble house thousands of stock logos created by designers. Utilize their search bars and input keywords that describe your logo, such as "Leaf logo." This will display a plethora of logo designs that you can sift through for comparison.
How Was Your Logo Provided?
This method applies to business owners who have owned their logos for a long time. And those currently working with a designer for their branding. Consider how you received your logo. Did your designer share initial concepts with you before finalizing the logo?
Typically, initial concepts are somewhat rough around the edges, and that's a good sign. It indicates that the designer sketched the designs based on your brief. Overly polished concepts without initial sketches or concepts may be sourced from stock images.
A professional logo designer rarely incorporates stock images into their concepts without explicitly informing you. If you're uncertain about the originality of the concepts you've received, consider performing a reverse image search on the images shared by your designer.
Conclusion
By following these methods, you can take proactive steps to ensure the uniqueness of your logo. Remember, while it's challenging to have something entirely one-of-a-kind in a world filled with countless designs, your logo should be authentically yours and represent your brand's identity accurately.