Not sure if you have read about it in the papers or on the webernet. There is some heated controversy brewing about Team Canada's Olympic outfits. More specifically, the branding on them. Without ado, here it is for you to judge…
Now, the controversy, the logo on the left (Team Canada) is too similar to the logo on the right (The Conservative Party of Canada). Is this real? Is this a blatant rip off? I say no.
What this is actually is two unoriginal and two unimaginative logo designs. Neither of the logos try to capture a unique aspect of the organization they are meant to represent. A 'C' with a maple leaf inside of it would likely be the first round draft of concepts that should not be shown to the client.
What does this mean to you, the business owner or marketer?
Your logo is like a signature. It is meant to represent your business and only your business. When your logo is merely a diagram of cliché images that are commonly used in your industry, it is very common to encounter other organizations with similar brands.
Ensure you hire a brand identity designer that understands the implications of a poorly executed and unimaginative logo. Ensure your logo identity is unique not typical. This helps create the highest level of brand awareness for your organization. That's one way you can position yourself as unique in your industry.
Ciao,
Robert Scozzari RGD
