Customer Testimonial Question

[Mark_Ch]

Hi All,

Over time we have provided our services to many clients big and small.
As part of my new website I'm looking to create a simple icon thumbnail slide show on the home page. The slide show will show new customers a icon image of the companies we have helped.

My Question
Naturally, we have a full email audit of communication and works being completed for each client. Can I simply place the client icon my slide show without their permission?

Regards Mark

[DeanAndrews]

I'm no legal beagle but just because you have completed work for someone doesn't entitle you to use their logo. Why don't you just ask them, if you have done a great job I'm sure they won't have an issue with it.

[Mark_Ch]

Hi Dean,

On occasions when dealing with blue chip companies, we help as a geo or branch level.
Additionally, Branch managers/ Area Managers or authors of the task don't necessarily have this level of authority. Trying to contact the most suitable person within the organisation is like a needle in a haystack.

I look forward to further advice.

[DeanAndrews]

Interesting article here: http://motionographer.com/2013/04/23/how-to-make-sure-you-can-show-work-in-your-portfolio/ Not exactly your question but in principle the same.

[Mark_Ch]

Hi Dean,

I think the article is a little overkill in my situation.
The article focuses on T&C's allowing the owner to intellectual property rights on any and all content.

Thank you for the article.

[WilliamKammer]

If it's a major corporation, there should be a PR department or "Press" section of their site that should give you a good place to start your search. Most brands are fine with you using their logo like that, but double-checking is important. Some brands coughRealtorcough are insane with how you use their brand, so checking is recommended.

At the same time, if you can't get ahold of them and you still use their logo and they don't like it, you'll just receive a DMCA-esque letter asking you to remove it. I don't recommend doing it this way, but in the past, the worst I've seen is a take-down notice.

[Mark_Ch]

Hi William,

Interesting points ... Thank you.

In order to avoid the admin overhead trying to locate an authority within the company to sanction the use of there company icon, could I just do the following.

Within my T&C's state wording to the effect that allows me to use there company icon if we have carried out works for them. Additionally offer a removal request procedure by letter or email.

Regards Mark

[WilliamKammer]

That would be helpful. Something along the lines of, "Any logos used on our client list are logos of companies we've directly worked for. If you represent one of these companies and would like your logo remove, please contact us at: blah"

It shows you're making a little more of an effort, but it still isn't ideal. Permission to use a logo is often just an email away, once you find the right person to email or call.

[jnfere]

I am a lawyer, but I am not going to provide you with legal advice. What I am going to provide you with is PR advice. It is always best to get permission. You don't want a client to contact you and ask you to remove it, or even worse write a review on Google+ or somewhere else stating how badly you treated it (even if you didn't treat it badly.)

You also can avoid any potential legal problems by getting permission first.

[Mark_Ch]

Hi William and Jennifer,

Thank you for your words of wisdom.

Regards Mark