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tonyv · Joined: 17 Apr 2011 Posts: 7

A few of my best selling images shows a prominent Nike logo and a front of a Gucci shop. Of course I’ve submitted these images as editorial. They express very well the success factor of world leading high-fashion brands and are highly salable as editorial.

This fuelled me recently to shoot comparable or near similar editorial images with Adidas, Armani and Esprit outlets and logos but suddenly they’ve been repeatedly rejected because of “Trademark--Contains potential trademark or copyright infringement”.

The usual (rejection) reference to Shutterbuzz didn’t give me new information or clarity about it. Does anyone know or Shutterstock changed the editorial guidelines or tightened up the restrictions recently?

moderator · Moderator Joined: 17 Jan 2008 Posts: 445

Dear tonyv,

Instead of uploading for review what you have as an example here, it would be better to shoot to include the store front view as well or some element that helps us (easily) discern that this is not something you created otherwise.

Example: You have a similar image online here: http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-92658481/stock-photo-beijing-oct-facade-of-a-nike-store-in-beijing-on-oct-it-took-nike-years.html?src=54e775841a99e5d875e8c3683d2f3cd1-1-13

The difference between your example and what was approved is that we can see that (the approved image) shows the facade of a building (along with a little sky) whereas, on the example, it is not that readily apparent what it is (yes, its the Nike logo, but how did you create this exactly?). Make it easier for us to review. So, if you shoot this to include the storefront view, make it a wider angle, that would be acceptable.

Example 2: Shooting something more like this is acceptable: http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-100747009/stock-photo-beijing-april-esprit-store-at-village-shopping-area-beijing-on-april-esprit-has.html?src=54e775841a99e5d875e8c3683d2f3cd1-1-3

I hope this information helps.

Sincerely,
Anthony Correia
Director, Content Operations
Shutterstock|Bigstock

tonyv · Joined: 17 Apr 2011 Posts: 7

@Anthony Correia

Thanks for your clear explanation. This gives me more insight how to shoot images with brands and/or logos. very helpful!