Is it possible to reproduce a brand logo on my website without authorization?

The addition of a “they trusted us” section on a professional's website can be a major asset since it allows prospects to identify the type of customers with whom the professional works, while providing proof of competence and legitimacy.

If you are a self-employed person or a business manager, you are likely asking yourself the question of whether you have the right to reproduce the logo of a client you have worked with in the “they trusted us” section of your website, without having obtained the authorization of your client to use his logo.

First of all, it should be noted that you are asking yourself this question because the logo of a brand is protected by intellectual property law. For this reason, its use is regulated and any prohibited reproduction may be sanctioned.

However, in the case of a section relating to your customer references on your website, you can reproduce the logo of a brand without being formally authorized to do so, subject to compliance with the three rules set out below.

1) First of all, you should use your customer's logo for informational purposes only. This means making sure that Internet users are not likely to think that you identify your products or services using this logo. Very careful attention should be paid to this aspect since case law does not admit any “negligence” in this field.

2) Second, be careful to remain as neutral as possible and not to speak for your customer. For example, don't assume that your products and services are popular with the brand if that's not the case.

3) Finally, be sure to always mention customers you've actually worked with - don't include your prospects.
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If you reproduce a customer's logo despite these three rules, you could be sanctioned for counterfeiting, unfair or parasitic competition, or deceptive commercial practices. The fines can be significant and the deterioration of relationships with your former customers will undoubtedly be irreversible.

In order to avoid any risk of sanctions or alterations in your relationship with your customers, it is always preferable to seek the agreement of your customers before reproducing their logo on your website. This will allow you to maintain relationships of trust with your customers and to obtain a quality version of their logo. You can also take the opportunity to ask them to leave you a review that you can post on your website.

In conclusion, using the logo of one of your customers on your website without their authorization is possible but it is important to respect certain rules in order not to infringe intellectual property law and the best solution remains to seek authorization to use their logo from your client to promote relationships of trust, to obtain a quality version of the logo or even a positive opinion to be published.

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This article has been written by Betty Jeulin and the English translation generated with AI.