Why Copyright Matters: The Hidden Risks of Using Stock Logos and Non-Professional Designers

26 May

In a world where tools like Canva have made design more accessible, the line between convenience and copyright infringement is thinner than ever. At Wilkin Design, we believe in empowering businesses with original, legally sound, and strategically developed branding and design. That’s why it’s critical to understand the dangers of working with non-professional designers—especially those who rely on stock assets for logo design.

The Problem: Stock Logos and Legal Limitations

Unfortunately, it isn’t unheard of in the industry where “designers” are offering logo design services but using stock icons and assets from sites like Canva, iStock, Freepik, etc. The issue? These platforms clearly state in their licensing terms that stock elements cannot be used as part of a logo or trademark.

Here's why:

Stock graphics are not exclusive. Multiple businesses could end up with similar—or identical—logos.
You can’t legally trademark a logo made from stock assets. Which means your business identity could be challenged or copied without consequence.
Using stock elements breaches copyright if they’re used beyond the scope of the license, opening you up to lawsuits, takedown notices, and reputational damage.

Real-World Consequences

Using a stock-based logo may seem cost-effective initially, but the long-term risks are real:

Inability to trademark your logo
Legal action from the stock asset provider
Rebranding costs when you're forced to change your logo
Loss of trust from customers and investors who spot unoriginal or duplicated designs

Red Flags of a Non-Professional Designer:

When hiring a designer—whether for a logo, brand identity, or web design—watch for these warning signs:

Uses stock templates or elements for logos

Ask where the logo design assets come from. If they mention Canva or stock sites, that’s a red flag.
Another way to find out is to conduct a reverse image search on any logos you know they’ve created. If it’s from a stock site, it’ll come up.

No clear design process or strategy

A professional designer will follow a process: discovery, research, concept development, refinement.

Incredibly cheap prices

You get what you pay for. Quality branding takes time, research, and expertise. Conduct your research and even retrieve quotes from a few designers.

Limited portfolio or suspiciously generic work

If all logos look similar or generic, they’re likely reused or modified stock graphics.

No discussion of legal rights or ownership

A professional should transfer full rights to you and ensure all assets are legally yours.

Lack of understanding of branding

If they focus only on "how it looks" and not "what it means" or "how it performs," you’re not getting a brand—you’re getting decoration.

Signs of a Good and Reputable Designer

To protect your business and build a brand with integrity, look for designers who:

Create bespoke logos from scratch
Provide a contract outlining copyright transfer and usage rights
Have a strategic approach to branding, not just aesthetics
Asks you the right questions, such as: “Who is your TA?”, “What would you like your brand to communicate?”, “Where do you position your brand in the market?”etc. A professional will ask in-depth questions about your brand in order to produce an outcome that works
Present original concepts tailored to your business goals
Communicate clearly and educate you throughout the process
Have a strong portfolio of diverse and unique designs

Final Thoughts

Your logo isn’t just a graphic—it’s your business’s face, identity, and legal asset. Trusting someone who cuts corners with stock assets could cost you far more than you bargained for. At Wilkin Design, we pride ourselves on creating original, legally sound, and strategically effective branding.

Need help protecting your brand? Let’s talk. We’re here to design something worth owning.