LinkedIn’s iconic logo, with its simple blue and white color scheme, is recognizable around the world. But is this well-known brand symbol protected by copyright? Let’s take a closer look at the legal status of the LinkedIn logo.
What Does the LinkedIn Logo Look Like?
The current LinkedIn logo consists of the company name in a custom sans-serif font, with a capital “i” adapted to look like a human figure. The word “LinkedIn” appears in blue, while the figure icon is white.
The logo is very minimalist, using only two colors and clean lines. This simple design makes the LinkedIn brand easily identifiable. The icon cleverly incorporates the idea of professional networking into the typography itself.
When Was the LinkedIn Logo First Used?
LinkedIn launched in May 2003, with its headquarters in Mountain View, California. The professional networking platform was founded by Reid Hoffman, Allen Blue, Konstantin Guericke, Eric Ly, and Jean-Luc Vaillant.
The original LinkedIn logo from 2003 was quite different from today’s version. It featured a more organic-looking blue and green design, with the company name in a serif font.
In 2007, LinkedIn introduced an interim logo as it expanded globally. This logo had a red figure icon rather than white.
The current logo featuring the distinctive stick figure was rolled out in late 2009. It replaced the interim design and established the clean, pared-down aesthetic LinkedIn still uses today.
So the familiar logo most of us recognize has been prominently featured on LinkedIn’s website and mobile apps since 2009.
Does Copyright Law Protect Logos?
For a logo to be protected by copyright in the United States, it must contain sufficient original and creative authorship.
According to the U.S. Copyright Office:
“Copyright law does not protect common geometric shapes, letters, numbers, words and symbols, familiar symbols, common designs like arrows and map pins, or mere variations of coloring.”
However, unique logos that have original styling can be copyrighted. This applies to the visual design elements, like font, stylization, and any images.
Trademark law may also protect logos and other branding elements. This covers the logo’s usage in association with certain products or services in the marketplace.
Many corporate logos combine copyright and trademark protection to fully cover their intellectual property rights.
Is LinkedIn’s Logo Copyrighted?
It appears LinkedIn has filed for copyright registration on some versions of its logo:
- Registration dated March 19, 2010 for the design with the white figure icon
- Registration dated June 8, 2011 for a version with gold elements
Based on the registrations, it seems clear LinkedIn claims copyright on its current standard logo with the unique stick figure depiction. The company likely asserts copyright ownership dating back to when the logo was first adopted in 2009.
LinkedIn also holds several live trademark registrations for its name and logo in the United States and globally. This gives them additional legal protection beyond copyright law for how the marks are used in commerce.
So in summary – yes, LinkedIn’s distinctive logo is protected by copyright and trademark laws.
What Elements of the Logo Are Copyrighted?
LinkedIn’s copyright registrations state they cover:
“Color logo artwork including horizontal design with wording”
This means the copyright covers the visual appearance of the logo design as a whole. This includes:
- Stylized LinkedIn company name
- Custom sans-serif font
- Blue color used for the text
- White color used for the stick figure icon
- The unique human icon integrated into the letter “i”
- The placement and relationship of the textual and graphic elements
Copyright protects the original combination and arrangement of these logo elements. It does not cover common shapes like circles or lines on their own. But it does cover the original silhouette of the figure icon.
What Would Be Considered Copyright Infringement?
LinkedIn could take legal action if other parties use copied or derivative versions of their logo without permission. This can include:
- Direct replicas trying to mimic the original design
- Logos that alter minor details but retain the essence of the original
- Similar human figures integrated into typography
- Logos using the same text and arrangement of elements
If the overall appearance is substantially similar, it likely constitutes copyright infringement. Just borrowing certain concepts from the logo may be permissible under fair use. But extended use of recognizable elements risks infringing LinkedIn’s rights.
Are There Any Logo Uses That Don’t Violate Copyright?
There are some cases where individuals or companies can legally reference or reproduce parts of LinkedIn’s logo without permission:
- Nominative fair use – Referring to the LinkedIn name or logo in text to truthfully identify the company or services. This does not apply to extensive uses in branding.
- Parody – Making fun of the logo in a creative way that comments on LinkedIn itself. Parody is considered transformative and falls under fair use protections.
- News reporting – News media can use the logo in journalism pieces for informational purposes. News reporting is not considered trademark infringement.
- Personal use – Noncommercial personal uses may be allowed, especially one-off reproductions like printing the logo on a t-shirt. But widespread distribution could still draw legal action.
In limited situations like these, utilizing the LinkedIn logo without authorization may be defensible as fair use. But the company still reserves the right to object in many cases. Play it safe by avoiding unauthorized use of their recognizable intellectual property.
How Aggressive Is LinkedIn in Enforcing Its Logo Copyright?
LinkedIn appears vigilant about monitoring use of its trademarks and logos. The company has taken legal action against infringing uses over the years, including:
- Suing 100 anonymous John Doe defendants in 2011 for promoting prohibited data harvesting services using the LinkedIn logo
- Objecting to a Belgian company’s application to register a somewhat similar European trademark in 2016
- Demanding a made-for-TV movie change its title from “Linked” to distance it from LinkedIn’s brand name
This track record demonstrates LinkedIn actively asserts its intellectual property rights when it comes to trademark and logo use.
Unauthorized use of LinkedIn’s protected logo design could lead to cease and desist demands or trademark infringement litigation. It’s prudent to avoid copying any unique elements owned by LinkedIn without permission.
Is There a Way to Legally Use the LinkedIn Logo?
For most people and companies, the only authorized way to legally reproduce LinkedIn’s copyrighted logo is through official brand resources provided by LinkedIn.
LinkedIn offers brand guidelines and pre-approved logo files to:
- Members – Logos can be used on profile to show verified employment or other affiliation with LinkedIn.
- Developers – Logos are provided for usage within participating developer programs.
- Advertising Partners – Partners can include certain logos in ads following LinkedIn’s policies.
Beyond specific brand resource scenarios, you typically need a license or direct permission from LinkedIn to use their copyrighted logos in your own communications, products, or services. Unauthorized use raises the risk of legal liability.
When in doubt, reach out to LinkedIn’s corporate team before incorporating any protected branding into your initiatives.
Conclusion
LinkedIn’s iconic and long-standing logo with the stick figure icon is recognized globally as representing the company and its professional networking platform.
Key takeaways:
- LinkedIn’s current logo design has been in use since 2009 and is protected under both copyright and trademark law.
- The copyright covers the graphic arrangement, font, colors, and other original elements.
- Copying significant protected portions of the logo would constitute infringement.
- LinkedIn has shown willingness to enforce their intellectual property rights over the logo.
- Obtain LinkedIn’s permission or license before reproducing their trademarked logos.
In summary, the LinkedIn logo should not be used without authorization from the company. This strong branding asset represents the platform’s identity and helps connect professional profiles and opportunities across the globe.