Seeing Double?

Posted on Jun 7, 2011 2

With a recent rebranding project freshly behind us, we were told in some casual conversation following the presentation, "I love the logo, but I keep thinking I've seen it somewhere..."

We were then asked if we had done the diligent research to make sure the final logo was indeed, original.

"Of course!" we stated with confidence, "but everyone knows what a challenge it is to ensure absolute originality."

The blank stares assured us that not everyone knows this.

In fact, it was questioned, what with Google image searches and the lot, shouldn't it be way easier to figure this out?

At Sharkbite, we definitely do extensive searches once we get started on an original idea, but you can exhaust your time and wallet trying to comb every inch of the globe; at some point you have to resign yourself to the skill of your searches, the originality of the creative process and settle on your idea. 

Here is the new logo we developed for Geoscientists Canada:

Here are the closest images we could source:

Similar, but not the same.

There are some sites cropping up out there (like GazoPa) which claim to be able to match your image against others out there in cyberspace, but they have yet to acquire a universal database to rival Google Images.

CreativeBits.com has some good suggestions that include:

1. Post your logo on international design websites for critique - Designers in general pay lot of attention to logos they see in communication and have probably tens of thousands of logos in their memory.
2. Search for symbols - If you have a very distinct symbol, for example a horse head or a bell you should try to search by keyword adding the words "logo" or "symbol" to your query. Because google uses human volunteers to keyword the images in its library it is possible your search will come up with something useful.
3. Payed trademark research - There are many agencies specializing in researching trademarks. Only issue is cost and limitations to a single country.
4. Search for similar images - Use Google Similar Images and GazoPa.

When Logos Look Alike

Taken from a popular post from LogoDesignLove.com, here are some ridiculously similar brands that are in use today:

Want to see more? View the full post here.