LogoThief is a new website with a simple goal in mind:
“We exist to name and shame logo thieves and all others who plagiarize the work of logo designers”
The designers of the site became tired of seeing their own work (and the work of fellow designers) being ripped off…so they decided to do something about it. There are currently 20 supposed copycat logos on their site, with more being added weekly.
This idea of calling out suspected plagiarists brings up an interesting discussion. On one hand, a scarlet letter approach to shaming thieves seems completely justified; there should be ramifications for those who steal. On the other hand, it’s hard to deny the possibility a designer can unintentionally create a “lookalike” logo; a result of mere coincidence or subconscious mind at work.
So what are your thoughts on this? Is the LogoThief site going too far by labeling suspected plagiarists as “thieves”? Or are these logos all examples of obvious and blatant ripoffs? Maybe the best approach should be to simply shine a light on those we deem dishonest, void of strong accusatory terms, and let people make up their own minds. It’s a fine line to walk, that’s for sure. Just my two cents.
Thanks Michael Irwin for his take on the subject:
“There are a lot of creative minds out there that once in awhile have ideas that are similar, if not exactly the same as others. Could have been something they saw somewhere but who knows where. A lot of design happens just by accident. You can’t always blame the designer, nor can you claim it was plagiarism. We don’t always design in a vacuum. Yes there are unscrupulous people out there that find it easier to copy someone else’s work, but it’s not always the case. Be certain you can prove it exactly that someone stole your work, be careful.”
And here are a couple viewpoints from a LinkedIn discussion:
“Not really a surprise considering devastating effect crowdsourcing, mindless logo factories and other phenomena have on our profession. Hit and run tactics become modus operandi. Professional ethics? Come again?” -Aleksander Topolac
“I’m speechless. I expected there to at least be some differences, but most fall under the flagrant foul category.” -Brenda Starnes
Join the discussion by sharing your thoughts in the comment section below. As always, thanks for reading.