Similar Logo Issue

[graphixgal]

Hi everyone! I'm a newbie and this is my first post!

I have run across a situation that could be an issue and need some advice on what the best way to handle it is. I work for a real estate firm as their Graphic Designer/Marketing Director/etc. Part of my job is creating logos for my agents if they request. A couple months ago I created a logo for an agent, and just yesterday noticed a flyer for another company in the area, we'll call that "Company 2" that is nearly exactly what I created for my agents. The fonts used are exactly the same, and the basic layout of it is the same too.

Now my problem is, I don't know who started using their logo first. I had only heard of Company 2 once before and I'm pretty sure that was within the last couple months, and don't remember seeing a logo that looked like the one I created for my agents on Company 2's previous flyers.

The logo I created is not a registered trademark for my agents, and I don't know if Company 2's logo is registered either. The logo on their website is similar to what is on their flyer, but not exactly the same, but is definitely a difference from what was on their flyer I saw yesterday.

I know that there are some circumstances where similar logos happen, especially with everyone using similar fonts, but these are just too similar, especially since Company 2 is in the real estate field also. I don't want to start up anything that wouldn't be a problem, but if they are copying my work, I don't want them to continue to do that.

I don't know what to do next, or if I should just lay low. Has anybody else had any other similar situations?

And is there a way to find out if a company's logo is a registered trademark and when they registered it?

Thanks!

[mojoprime]

you might bring it to the attention of the powers that be, and ask them. but if you noticed the other logo, chances are it's been out for longer than yours has been. might be safer to just go back to the drawing board.

[budafist]

You need to do some homework and see if they really did start using their logo after they saw yours. Either way though, it may be easier if you just come up with a new logo altogether.

[ihadlegs]

google waybackwhen machine for old copies of their wesite... and look for the developemtn of their old logo... ask someone within your company - if it's a local competitor you can bet that they ae watching their every move and will have noticed rebrands/updates...

It may be one of those coincidences - they may have copied you, or you may have subconsciously liked their design and allowed it to influence yours...

like the others said, if you can go back to the drawing board without expense then do... better safe than sorry - and putting it bluntly, will stop customers getting confused!