Is it Legal to put clients' Logos on our Web Site?

[Jorge]

If it is legal to link back to them could we also include their logo. It seems like everyone posts the company names of their customers so would it be OK to use their logos as well ...

[rustybrick]

If it is legal to link back to them could we also include their logo. It seems like everyone posts the company names of their customers so would it be OK to use their logos as well ...

I would get permission from your client. As long as you have that, you should be fine. Get it in writing.

[GOTseo]

I have never seen anything come of it, but getting it in writing is key

[Chris_D]

Some companies, especially in competitive industries, don't necessarily want their competitors - or the general market - to know who their suppliers are. Who supplies the chicken to KFC? Who supplies the beef, buns and pickles to MacDonalds?

Unless you have written permission, and the client supplies you with an appropriate logo & usage guidelines - don't do it.

You run the risk of annoying your clients. Always use a logo they supply - ask for exactly what you want, and declare the purpose for its use, and follow their brand/ logo usage guidelines. Don't just rip one off their site and stick it on a page.

[rogerd]

I'll add to the chorus saying, "always get permission". I deal with many companies as a business partner, where I am marketing or supporting their product or service. Just about every one has detailed guidelines to control where and how their logo can be used, even when it is being used to promote them; quite a few have special logos for different uses. A company that takes such care with how their partners use their trademarked logo is likely to take a dim view of a service vendor using it without permission. (Many firms, of course, won't notice or won't care, and few would do more than send you a C&D for starters. Then again, do you want the legal department calling the person in the company who gave you the job and raking him/her over the coals for your transgression?)

Logos aside, some firms will object to you even telling people they are your client; even if you aren't contractually bound by an NDA or secrecy clause, why risk irritating them? If you publish their name on your "Clients" page without checking first and receiving explicit permission, you might find you'll have to move them to the "Previous Clients" category. ;)

[Mikkel deMib Svendsen]

I agree that you should get your clients permissions first - you don't want to upset them in any way. But also, you should consider how much and how detailed information, in general, you give away. You don't want to turn your website into a call-list for competitors :)

[haryd0005]

You don't have the right to use their logo especially if you don't have any connection to the company.

It can be only legal if the client permits you to use their logo.... And that might happen if you send them a request form or letter telling your purpose.

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