It’s tempting, isn’t it? You’ve nailed the business idea, your operations are running, and all that’s left is the branding. Then comes the thought: “Why not just copy a logo I like online? It’ll save time and money.” Here’s the truth: that shortcut isn’t really short at all. Copying a logo can quietly cost you credibility, trust, and growth. Before you skip investing in professional logo design, let’s walk through why originality in your branding is essential to your success.
1. Creativity Counts
When looking at this demonstration in the book, what are you drawn to first? Our eyes naturally gravitate toward what is different. The goal for your brand should be to stand out like the black dot, not just another outline swimming in a sea of sameness. A strong logo should create both familiarity and uniqueness while addressing your brand’s specific challenges, not someone else’s.
"The Brand Gap by Marty Neumeier"
2. The Legal Reality
Some logos are protected under trademark law, which means you risk infringement if yours looks too close to someone else’s. Not every logo is trademarked, but that doesn’t let you off the hook because it is still an intellectual property issue either way. And that is a big deal. It is like identity theft, but for a business. If you are thinking you can get away with minor tweaks, the law does not see it that way. What matters is the overall impression, not the small details. Here are good examples of high-profile cases where similar logos ended up in court.
3. Individuality & Authenticity
Building a business takes effort, and your brand identity should reflect that effort by representing your story and values. Copying another design not only confuses your audience but also weakens your credibility. A clear and consistent brand identity shows confidence and helps people connect with your business. Choosing to work with a credible brand designer for your professional logo design ensures your visuals truly represent who you are.
4. Reputation & Competitive Edge
Have you ever looked at a logo and instantly thought of another brand? If so, that business has already lost its chance to stand out. A copied logo makes you look like a knockoff and risks confusing customers, diluting trust, and costing you valuable opportunities. When you rely on shortcuts to build your brand, the outcome is rarely strong. Borrowed tools, broken results: using Canva templates or copying competitors often feels like trying to put furniture together with the wrong screwdriver.
5. Marketing & Growth Roadblocks
Branding and marketing work best when they go hand in hand. An unclear or inconsistent logo can blur your message and make it harder for people to connect with your business. Strong, thoughtful branding supported by professional logo design removes those roadblocks and sets the stage for growth.
So, What Should You Do Instead?
At Saltd studio, we believe branding isn’t about shortcuts, it’s about strategy and originality. Here’s how we approach it:
- Start with brand strategy: values, vision, audience, messaging, and competitive research.
- Use inspiration wisely: as a spark for direction and not as duplication.
- Explore and iterate: creating original concepts that truly fit your brand.
- Deliver the full package: logo, patterns, color palette, illustrations, and a system built to last.
The result is a brand identity that feels distinctive, memorable, and long-lasting. A good logo doesn’t have to cost thousands, but a copycat or generic design will eventually cost a lot more, whether that’s in legal fees or in missed business opportunities due to people not resonating with the brand. If you are ready to invest in professional logo design that is uniquely yours, book a free consultation with us, and let’s build a brand people will genuinely trust.
