Logos don't even need to be registered as trademarks to be protected under current law. This means that using someone else's logo without permission, even if it's unregistered, is against the law.
A brand can create its logo without using something entirely new by incorporating existing elements in a unique and creative way. However, registering a trademark can provide legal protection and exclusive rights to the logo, which can be valuable in branding and marketing strategies.
To do this legally, you should be getting permission to rebrand another's product as your own and this is typically done through the use of a “White Label Agreement.” A white label product is a product or service produced by one company (the producer) that other companies (the marketers) rebrand to make it appear as if ...
How to make sure you have a strong logo design for your trademark. Use a unique image or graphic design rather than something generic. Keep it clean and clear with a good use of color and empty space. Use easy-to-read typography. Make sure your design represents your brand identity and appeals to your target audience.
As previously explained, although use of a trademark symbol is not required by law in the U.S., there are many benefits to doing so.
Trademarks Online: Applications to file a Trademark or Service Mark registration can be submitted online through the California Secretary of State's bizfile California portal, in person at the Sacramento office, or through the mail.
To insert the trademark symbol (™) in your logo or text, you can follow these steps: Keyboard Shortcut: On a Windows computer, you can use the keyboard shortcut “Alt + 0153” (numeric keypad) to insert the trademark symbol (™). Make sure the Num Lock is enabled.
In the case of famous marks like the NBA logo, it is usually evident as to who owns it. If you were to feel that is is not evident, you can put at the bottom of the page “Logo is a registered trademark of ___________.”
APA Style: Trademarks As long as the use of a trademarked name or phrase is not defamatory and does not imply a connection between the trademark and you or Cognella, you may use it. Be sure to capitalize the trademarked name; APA does not require use of the trademark symbol or of quotation marks around the name.