LogoInstant is giving away Free Logos, but is it too good to be True?

How could a website possibly be giving away logos for free? The short answer is they’re not. A quick look at their terms and conditions clears things up. The following quote is taken directly from their site:

“You may not claim copyright to any logo designs you download from this website even after you have performed modifications on it, UNLESS all images and design objects are replaced and the design looks drastically different from the original one.
All intellectual rights to the all design materials on this website are held by LogoInstant.com”

In other words you can’t download any of these logos to represent your business unless you create a completely new logo. Doesn’t that defeat the purpose of the site? If anyone needs to drastically alter their logo, feel free to contact me. Their terms also go on to say:

“We take no responsibility for the way you use the designs (graphics and logo names) provided on this site. We are not reponsible for any damages of any kind arising (if any) that can happen when you use or modify it.”

So if you do decide to download a logo, you stand the chance of infringing on other people's rights and possible legal altercations. And the chances of legal trouble only grow as more people download the same logo. Besides that, why would you want a logo that is the same or close to hundreds or even thousands of other people's logos? It defeats the very purpose of a logo: to differentiate yourself from your competition. When it all comes down to it, LogoInstant is a great site for design inspiration, but not the right place to find a logo. It would stand to reason that you would save much more time, money, and legal battles if you just get a logo designed right the first time. Unfortunately, many people fall for this gimmick, because let's face it, who doesn’t like something for free?

As a side note, I want to make it clear that I am not concerned with how free logos will affect the design industry, but rather how it will harm you by using them. To those entrepreneurs, business people, and companies alike, I hope that whatever decisions you choose will make you proud, productive, and profitable!