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After talking to a bunch of people, we have confirmed that the above image is indeed from Intel PR and that we can go back to our old assumptions that, yes, indeed, they stole our logo.
Some stealthy ecogeeks have discovered that this isn't the only instance of the theft either. Below you can see a much prettier photoshop job that makes things even clearer.
I mean, we're flattered. But we're also upset. If they would like to co-brand their products with our much-beloved (and trademarked) logo, I'm sure we could work out a deal ;-).
If anyone knows the value of a logo it's Intel. Enterprising EcoGeeks have also done a little work with the Intel logo in my favor. But to keep my hands clean (since Intel did sue the "Jesus Inside" people, I'm not going to post it here.) See Msaleem's twitter stream if you're interested.
If anyone at Intel can explain this, or let me know where to go from here, that would be fantastic. For now, I'm just going to call a friend of mine who's an IP lawyer. Not because I want to sue, but because I have no idea what to do.
Yay for Environmental Technology!
Update: Nathan Kirsch from LegitReviews informed me that the slides were made public by Intel and given with full consent to publish on the web. All those slides were made public by Intel and given with full consent to publish on his site. They were part of a presentation they gave on Monday at the Centrino launch in San Francisco.
Update 2: Intel just emailed me. It was suspiciously lacking in offers to tour their campus and interview their CEO.
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written by Sassmo, July 15, 2008
You know, I'd say that's a pretty egregious rip-off of your logo, but then again, some people might say your logo isn't all too much different from the xbox360 power button. In any case, I think Intel should definitely be doing something to work with your or compensate you or something.
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written by John, July 15, 2008
If your symbol is indeed trademarked, then I suggest you protect it. Trademarks can be lost if they're not protected when used in the same marketplace. See asprin, thermos, escalator... perhaps even the smiley face, and more recently the red-cross logo.
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written by Copeland aka GreenModernKits.com, July 15, 2008
As someone who has had people try to bully me out of MY identity... I *empathize* and send you a virtual "hi five" of support.
Go GET 'em.
Go GET 'em.
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written by Minathenerdfighter, July 15, 2008
That is kind of down right mean and dirty. You definatly should contact them!
Best Wishes!
DFTBA
Best Wishes!
DFTBA
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written by Kelli, July 15, 2008
Do you have a copyright? If not, I'm afraid the logo might be fair game...still, you should contact them and express your concerns about them using the logo. Or at least make them link to your site from theirs... ;-)
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written by Josh Bancroft, July 15, 2008
Oh, wow. That looks bad.
I work for Intel, in the software developer community (I have nothing to do with branding, promotions, or anything related to this). Des Peroz pointed this out to me, and I'm going to start asking around internally, to see if I can figure out what really happened to you. Most likely, it was a mistake/accident, rather than something malicious, but either way, I hope it gets straightened out.
Feel free to contact me at joshua.bancroft AT intel DOT com, and I'll try to find the right people to talk to about this (I'm already asking around).
I work for Intel, in the software developer community (I have nothing to do with branding, promotions, or anything related to this). Des Peroz pointed this out to me, and I'm going to start asking around internally, to see if I can figure out what really happened to you. Most likely, it was a mistake/accident, rather than something malicious, but either way, I hope it gets straightened out.
Feel free to contact me at joshua.bancroft AT intel DOT com, and I'll try to find the right people to talk to about this (I'm already asking around).
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written by unityofeffect, July 15, 2008
Just want to show some support. I hope it all works out. It is clearly your logo. I thought I might know someone who knew someone at Intel but I asked her and she said no. 
If you need any help with e-mailing protests or anything let us know.
If you need any help with e-mailing protests or anything let us know.
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written by Beth Bachuss, July 15, 2008
It is obvious that someone snitched it from EcoGeek - the leaves, the fadeaway at the top - and if you want to keep your logo, you have to defend it. I suspect some cubicle designer got lazy and thought no one would notice. Intel should make it right.
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written by shann, July 15, 2008
Oh man. Hopefully they will realize that they messed up!
Let us know if you need us to bring on the wrath of the nerdfighters!
Let us know if you need us to bring on the wrath of the nerdfighters!
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written by laurennerdfighter, July 15, 2008
Yeah, if you need us nerdfighters, to...um...dispose of them, we'll do. *JUST KIDDING!!!*
But seriously, go fight for your logo!
But seriously, go fight for your logo!
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written by Ken Roberts, July 15, 2008
Looks like this ad was made by a new-hire or something. It is a good way of representing clean technology, but apparently the guy didn't think of copyright infringement when he made it.
I say you call up Intel, and work out some kind of agreement. I'm sure they'll be willing to give you some money, if you mention that it's for a good cause.
I say you call up Intel, and work out some kind of agreement. I'm sure they'll be willing to give you some money, if you mention that it's for a good cause.
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written by WidowOfSirius, July 15, 2008
You'd think big corporations like Intel would know a bit about trademarks.
I'm sure it wasn't with malicious intent... but it really looks like it was just copied and pasted off of the top of the site. If they were gonna take it, they could've at least tried to be SNEAKY about it...
Decepticons. All of them.
I'm sure it wasn't with malicious intent... but it really looks like it was just copied and pasted off of the top of the site. If they were gonna take it, they could've at least tried to be SNEAKY about it...
Decepticons. All of them.
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written by Candy, July 15, 2008
hmm.. I agree with those who say you need to do something about it. Try to work it out first, and if it doesn't, sue them for all you can and use the money to decrease world suck in an ecogeek kind of way.
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written by Candy, July 15, 2008
P.S. Sassmo, the only thing that xbox 360's power button and the ecogeek logo have in common is that they both involve green and the universal power symbol.
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written by Dale, July 15, 2008
I'll bet it was done by a contractor and not an Intel employee. But in any case, I would imagine someone responsible at Intel would be glad to work with you on it, and if not you can just sue them. It's pretty clear you're in the right.
If you don't protect your trademark, you could end up being sued by Intel. But I really don't think it would come to that.
If you don't protect your trademark, you could end up being sued by Intel. But I really don't think it would come to that.
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written by Preston, July 15, 2008
Pay a smart lawyer about $50-$100 and have s/he send a trademark infringement demand letter to the following address:
Attn: Legal Department
2200 Mission College Blvd.
Santa Clara, California 95052
Personally, I'd be careful about a cross license or permissive paid/non-paid arrangement, if you're planning on using this mark in the future. They'll dominate and take it over.
Attn: Legal Department
2200 Mission College Blvd.
Santa Clara, California 95052
Personally, I'd be careful about a cross license or permissive paid/non-paid arrangement, if you're planning on using this mark in the future. They'll dominate and take it over.
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written by Allison the Awesome Nerdfighter, July 15, 2008
How dare they??!!?? GAAAAH!! 
DFTBA, but fight for your logo rights!!
DFTBA, but fight for your logo rights!!
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written by Richard, July 15, 2008
'Premier environmental technology blog' my ass. Nobody gives a shit about this shitty blog.
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written by Julaine, July 15, 2008
Those Intel people, so unimaginative, stealing other people logos. Haven't they heard of plagiarism? You need to do something, even if it comes to suing.
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written by Karate Tentacles, July 15, 2008
You needn't worry about the design being copyrighted. It is. There is, technically, a legal office of copyrights and such, but as long as you thought of it first and can prove it (which is apparent), it's still yours and is protected by copyright law.
But you go sue 'em, or at least make them compensate you and/or the designer of the logo.
But you go sue 'em, or at least make them compensate you and/or the designer of the logo.
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written by Julaine, July 15, 2008
Those Intel people, so unimaginative, stealing other people's logos. Have they heard about plagiarism? Hopefully you'll resolve it before it goes to court.
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written by Nerdfighter Mary!, July 15, 2008
they just wanted to steal your awesome hank.
tell them to give it back.
tell them to give it back.
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written by SaMe, July 15, 2008
This is clearly your logo, and intel should not be using it without permission. Hopefully it was a mistake and it can be cleared up, but if not, I suggest you fight for it. It was your logo first, and intel has no rights to take it from you.
Best Wishes!
Best Wishes!
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written by chelsey, July 15, 2008
wow, that's so . . . . notsome. i mean, if they'd credited you or something then it would be more flattering but if they just think they are being sneaky. . . well. . . that is not jokes. i hope they apologize and post on their site that it belongs to you soon so this doesn't get dramatic!
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written by The Food Monster, July 15, 2008
http://thefoodmonsterblog.blogspot.com
This should be an open and shut case, best of luck in the courts!
This should be an open and shut case, best of luck in the courts!
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written by Josh Bancroft, July 15, 2008
Still trying to find the right people inside Intel to deal with this.
Can you point to a page on Intel.com that shows this logo, besides the page you linked to on Anandtech? It might help track down how/where/by whom it got created.
And again, if you'd like to follow up privately, I'm joshua.bancroft AT intel DOT com. I don't have anything to do with the PR department, but I can hopefully put you in touch with someone who does.
Can you point to a page on Intel.com that shows this logo, besides the page you linked to on Anandtech? It might help track down how/where/by whom it got created.
And again, if you'd like to follow up privately, I'm joshua.bancroft AT intel DOT com. I don't have anything to do with the PR department, but I can hopefully put you in touch with someone who does.
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written by R(k), July 15, 2008
If they're like most companies, a third party marketing firm put this together for them. That ad was then presented to some lowbie (Director of or Manager of position) for approval. That company probably found "this tiny site nobody knows about" (ecogeek) and stole the graphic.
Also, if you have trademarked the logo, you should be in fine shape. Even if you haven't trademarked the logo but can prove that you've been using it in conjunction with your name (if it is trademarked) you can probably still prove your use as original.
Depending on how the mark is described, they may still be able to tweak it slightly and still use it even though it looks closely like yours (stupid technicalities!)
Get in touch with Intel. Standard first response is often denial, followed by their assertion it's an original work and you ripped it off and then at some point (after lawyers have had time to examine the evidence) you'll get a quiet apology and possibly pay off, er, compensation- possibly in trade for your silence in further matters on the issue.
Also, if you have trademarked the logo, you should be in fine shape. Even if you haven't trademarked the logo but can prove that you've been using it in conjunction with your name (if it is trademarked) you can probably still prove your use as original.
Depending on how the mark is described, they may still be able to tweak it slightly and still use it even though it looks closely like yours (stupid technicalities!)
Get in touch with Intel. Standard first response is often denial, followed by their assertion it's an original work and you ripped it off and then at some point (after lawyers have had time to examine the evidence) you'll get a quiet apology and possibly pay off, er, compensation- possibly in trade for your silence in further matters on the issue.
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written by Candy, July 15, 2008
Hi Hank,
I just spent some time digging around Intel's site, and I can't seem to find the graphic that you showed anywhere - you know, the list of features. I went through the press kit stuff for the Centrino 2 release. So maybe it's really AnandTech that stole it? I don't know why they'd bother making their own visuals for stuff, though, when they should be able to get everything they need from Intel. So maybe ask AnandTech where they got the graphic from before you take action with Intel.
Best of luck, and let us know if the nerdfighters can help!
I just spent some time digging around Intel's site, and I can't seem to find the graphic that you showed anywhere - you know, the list of features. I went through the press kit stuff for the Centrino 2 release. So maybe it's really AnandTech that stole it? I don't know why they'd bother making their own visuals for stuff, though, when they should be able to get everything they need from Intel. So maybe ask AnandTech where they got the graphic from before you take action with Intel.
Best of luck, and let us know if the nerdfighters can help!
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written by Jediwannabe, July 15, 2008
Unleash the lawyers. Intel has lots of money to spare since there chips go for 4 x the cost of manufacturing.
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written by David Smith, July 15, 2008
I do not see copyright releases for all the materials (text and/or graphics) that ecogeek.com copies wholesale from other sites.
Why is it wrong for Intel to do it but OK for Ecogeek?
Why is it wrong for Intel to do it but OK for Ecogeek?
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written by Matt, July 15, 2008
Is that a press release from Intel? Or just a graphic they are using on AnandTech's site. It's TM infringement none the less, but I find it hard to believe Intel can't afford a graphic designer that's good enough to steal the logo and use it with out distortion and noise all around it.
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written by greg, July 15, 2008
I agree with R(k). I have done design work for intel through an agency and some freelancer did it who had about an hour to make it.
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written by LIzzy, July 15, 2008
HOW RUDE! they could've asked politely first....have they no manners? people these days. court may not be the best option though. "give peace a chance" and give them time to apologize.
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written by Phineas de Romanus, July 15, 2008
What I don't understand is that big corporations are get all up in arms with smaller corporations/businesses use something of theirs that is trademarked, so why wouldn't they think the same feelings would be felt the other way around? Was Intel really thinking that their action would go unnoticed? (Come on, you two are working in the same demmed field; if you never noticed Intel's new logo, I would be extremely and utterly shocked).
I'm not one for sueing, but if they don't take down the logo immediately after they have been notified of their infringement, and they do not apologize, I would sue those *bad word*.
I'm really, really, really, hoping they just made a bad mistake (but I know that is not it).
I'm not one for sueing, but if they don't take down the logo immediately after they have been notified of their infringement, and they do not apologize, I would sue those *bad word*.
I'm really, really, really, hoping they just made a bad mistake (but I know that is not it).
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written by Candy, July 15, 2008
@David Smith
ecogeek uses screenshots to reference and illustrate and credits its sources, which is basically the equivalent of using a quote, and is legal. Ripping off a trademarked logo and using it as one's own, however, is not legal. It's not a double standard, they are completely different usages, circumstances, and claims to material.
ecogeek uses screenshots to reference and illustrate and credits its sources, which is basically the equivalent of using a quote, and is legal. Ripping off a trademarked logo and using it as one's own, however, is not legal. It's not a double standard, they are completely different usages, circumstances, and claims to material.
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written by Sarah-Jane, July 16, 2008
That looks like something someone else put together. Maybe the Web site you found it on or some other tech blog?
The use of your logo and the other WiFi logo is poorly photoshopped and sloppy. That would never fly at Intel. Even when using contractors, corporations like that have a book of graphic standards that have to be followed to the "t."
I work in Marketing and do graphic design for the small company I work for and even we wouldn't publish that messy work.
Also if you look at the Intel site, the branding is completely off. It doesn't fit.
Look, even the Registered Trademark symbol after Intel in the name of the product is squashed. No way they let anything like this fly.
Since it's not Intel, it isn't likely you'll track down who did this. That's what happens when you can find your logo on a Google Image search though. I would look into online logo protection methods.
Good luck!!
The use of your logo and the other WiFi logo is poorly photoshopped and sloppy. That would never fly at Intel. Even when using contractors, corporations like that have a book of graphic standards that have to be followed to the "t."
I work in Marketing and do graphic design for the small company I work for and even we wouldn't publish that messy work.
Also if you look at the Intel site, the branding is completely off. It doesn't fit.
Look, even the Registered Trademark symbol after Intel in the name of the product is squashed. No way they let anything like this fly.
Since it's not Intel, it isn't likely you'll track down who did this. That's what happens when you can find your logo on a Google Image search though. I would look into online logo protection methods.
Good luck!!
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written by Ron Holmes, July 16, 2008
Hi,
I'm starting up a new green focused charity, and would love to get in touch with Pete about a possible logo design. Do you have his contact details freely available?
I'm starting up a new green focused charity, and would love to get in touch with Pete about a possible logo design. Do you have his contact details freely available?
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written by Lee Katherine Ayer, July 16, 2008
I agree that this is probably the work of website on which this article was found, rather than Intel itself. There is an email link for the author at the top of the article. Have you tried contacting him?
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written by Charles, July 16, 2008
I don't think you can claim copyright on your variant of the symbol, as it is an IEEE and IEC standard. You can't copyright an open standard.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_symbol
If anyone is doing infringement, it's YOU. You are muddying the waters, distorting a clear symbol for your own benefit. Leave our electronics standards alone.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_symbol
If anyone is doing infringement, it's YOU. You are muddying the waters, distorting a clear symbol for your own benefit. Leave our electronics standards alone.
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written by Tom, July 16, 2008
@Charles
You clearly don't know what you're talking about. Just because you can't copyright the power symbol doesn't mean that you can't own the rights to a logo that incorporates the symbol.
And I'm sure Mr. Holm is a competent designer who knows probably a whole lot more about copyrights than you do.
You clearly don't know what you're talking about. Just because you can't copyright the power symbol doesn't mean that you can't own the rights to a logo that incorporates the symbol.
And I'm sure Mr. Holm is a competent designer who knows probably a whole lot more about copyrights than you do.
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written by evilcorpstrikesagain, July 16, 2008
It's very unlikely that someone at Intel deliberately ripped off your logo. It's much more likely that some sub-sub-sub contracted graphic designer did the dirty deed and Intel were ripped off themselves. Probably someone that reads this very website.
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written by nih, July 16, 2008
So you're claiming you created the power button icon?
You're kidding yourself. Intel have every right to use it.
You're kidding yourself. Intel have every right to use it.
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written by jr, July 16, 2008
I find it funny (ironic?) that when an individual or small company steals something from a big company and they send a cease and desist - the common reaction is to poop on the big company...
but not big company steals from small company and everyone is crying foul and threatening to sue!!!
but not big company steals from small company and everyone is crying foul and threatening to sue!!!
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written by tankd0g, July 16, 2008
nih: put down the crack pipe
jr: you find it funny that the reaction to theft is the same both ways? Yes...that is funny.
jr: you find it funny that the reaction to theft is the same both ways? Yes...that is funny.
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written by D, July 16, 2008
...It looks like they copy/pasted it into Microsoft Paint, and added some gray shadow on the bottom for depth.
Ah, but what am I saying? The gray shadow makes it totally original and therefore completely legal. -_^
Ah, but what am I saying? The gray shadow makes it totally original and therefore completely legal. -_^
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written by eloise, July 16, 2008
The Eco Geek logo is certainly not generic in any way... though it stems from the power symbol, there is artistic embellishment which make it unique. If there is a trademark on the Eco Geek logo, then it is important to protect your logo and its rights.
If the Eco Geek logo is truly original, and has been copyrighted, then it is your obligation to protect the rights of the logo.
If the Eco Geek logo is truly original, and has been copyrighted, then it is your obligation to protect the rights of the logo.
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written by ashok pai, July 16, 2008
A cease and desist notice will help take that usage down. best thing is to go after them, the way the big corporations go after small hapless individuals. fuck big corporations. they might give individuals jobs, but its mostly nothing in comparison to how much the promoters enrich themselves, besides having some really stinky corporate attitude.
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written by Thetruth, July 16, 2008
Didn't you know digital copyright is only so mega-corporations can turn a buck? It's not for citizens. Please make way for the king.
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written by HolyTacoMaidens, July 16, 2008
What were they thinking?
I mean really.
They should at least have the decency to ask first!
I say they give it up.
or pay.
That would be nice too.
I mean really.
They should at least have the decency to ask first!
I say they give it up.
or pay.
That would be nice too.
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written by rar, July 16, 2008
http://www.intel.com/network/c...ters/5000/ is intel's product page, with pdfs of product specs, nowhere does it use the logo. I could not find a press release using it either. Looks like anandtech made their own graphic and used your logo.
I'm guessing Intel's lawyers would've caught this on any official release
I'm guessing Intel's lawyers would've caught this on any official release
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written by Jorge, July 16, 2008
As long as you have the logo registered to the Copyright Office you will have the upper hand. If the logo is not registered then you have a 90 Day window, from the time of copyright infringement, to register the logo to the U.S. Copyright Office. In other words if you didn't register the logo before Intel used your logo you can still sue them for royalty fees legal fees, if you register the logo within the 90 day window.
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And I believe (although know nothing about law) that your logo is covered by intellectual property rights, so yes, by using it, they are breaking the law, (and as they are using for something that will make a profit, they can't claim the 'fair use' thing).
If no one else comments on what you should do, I think you should contact a large news corporation about it (but then if you get money for it, buy something green for your town with some of it [e.g. solar panels for the old folks home], so you don't just look like someone who's after the money, but want to help the environment and community as well.)