I often get asked to develop a small business's logo as a symbol-only logo. But for many small businesses, this isn't the right choice for a couple of reasons.

Designing a symbol-only logo is a much more complicated (and often more expensive) process, because the symbol has to:

- Carry a lot more meaning - there's no text to help explain the business. It's important that your logo has some meaning and a role in explaining your business - and that's a lot for a little symbol to do all by itself.

- Be entirely unique all on its' own. I don't need to tell you that there are a whole lot of logos out there. A lot of the basic shapes - and even some of the more complicated ones - are already "owned" by big corporations. But you can still use variations or combinations of those shapes when they're designed into a logo with your company name.

- Communicate to your audience. The more obscure the symbol design that you create, the less likely that your customers will understand its meaning. Or they may interpret it incorrectly. Either way your clients will feel alienated - and that's never good.

If you do create a symbol-only logo, you'll have a couple of challenges with your brand identity:

- It will take a lot more time and effort to educate your target audience about your business. Think of all the symbol-only logos that are really memorable, like Nike or Apple. The reason that those are so memorable and well-known is that each of those companies has a very large advertising budget. They can afford to dedicate people and time to getting the word out. Their deep pockets build visibility and encourage recognition. Small businesses just don't have those kinds of resources.

- Trademark infringement can be more of a problem - from both sides of the fence. It can be very difficult for your designer to design a logo that won't look like any other trademarked logo out there, regardless how hard they try.

1. First of all, it's hard for a designer to comprehensively research all of the other trademarked logos just to see what you're up against. However, the Trademark Office has more thorough tools and methods of researching the other existing logos out there and they might find one that you overlooked.

2. Secondly, logos and trademarks can be a bit subjective. Just because you and your designer think that the design that you've created doesn't infringe on other logos, the Trademark Office might reject your application based on their interpretation of "similarity"

3. And you're not just worrying about what the Trademark Office thinks. Any other business with an existing trademark could also challenge your application. They can even ask you to cease-and-desist using your logo after it has been trademarked if they held their trademark to a similar logo first. While surrendering might not seem like such a bad thing, remember that you'd also have to destroy any existing printed collateral, forfeit your trademark (and the trademarking process isn't cheap!) and redesign all of your materials. You'll also lose the equity and memorability that you will have built up in your logo if you do have to redesign.

If you do finally manage to design and trademark a symbol-only logo, you'll have to be extra-vigilant about making sure that other companies don't design a mark that's similar to yours. You are ultimately responsible for "policing" your own trademark and will have to stay up-to-date on trademark applications.

Alternately, you could hire someone to keep an eye on new trademarks for you but that can be expensive.

You can easily avoid all of these complications by designing a combination logo that includes both a symbol and your company name. Once you've designed your combination logo, you should always use the components together. This helps avoid potential legal issues like those mentioned above.

Erin Ferree is a brand identity and marketing design strategist who creates big visibility for small businesses. Through her customized marketing and brand identity packages, Erin helps her clients design effective websites that help them extend their brands, bring in new clients and make sales. http://www.elf-design.comPurchasing Decisions
Bonfante Garden Gilroy In Park Theme
Life41
0 Lux Camera
Yoga And Pilates Exercise Ball
068 Coat Dog Healthy Skin Ww
Democratic Candidate 2008 Presidential Election
Flight Free Game Simulator
Dating
Mesothelioma Resource Law
Data Financial Management Software
Kidnapped Kids
Mimi 39 S Cafe
07 Dress Prom
Moving Pod
Used Dump Truck In New England
Tylenol Death
3 Bed Orlando Villa
Condominium Floor Plan Waterfront
Chaise Cover Slip
Kegerator Kit
W Hotel
Freeze Jewelry Watch
Collection Crystal Dover Photography Snow
1 Boat Cook Episode Island Puzzle Survivor
Pro Dj Software
Business Week Home Page
George Barna
Life Fitness Gym
Bratz Dress
Unlocked Gsm Cellular Phone
1 1914 Cause War World
Conduct Disorder Treatment
10 Air Bag Kit S
Download T Shirtemplate
Womens White Dress Shoes
1192 Pet Supply Wholesale
Vegetarian Body Building
Lcd Replacement Lamp
Jewelry Exchange Villa Park
Apartment Building Sale Toronto
Accounting Career Home
Contractor S State License
Free Music Myspace Song
Food Gift Holiday Idea
1 1 Cooking Cooking Course Dish Joy Joy Main No Volume
013 Tilburg
Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookie
Many Men
009 Infocus Lamp Lamp Projector Sp X1
Karaoke Shine Jesus Shine Christian Music
Residential Construction Maryland
Kbc Tools
Wood Furniture Pattern
1 Army Bird Dog O Royal Thai
Discount Hotel Paris Reservation
Detox Sauna
Great Depression Us History
Sunshine Construction
007 Spy Software
Fair Mortgage Oak Reverse
0 Car Deal Finance
Detox
Pink And Green Flower
Trek 930 Mountain Bike
Electric Gas Office Pacific Payment
Apartment
Conure Pictures
Cursos De
Memory Xbox
Business Help Marketing Network Opportunity Secret Tip
Nike Tennis Womens
Wholesale Carpet Padding
Bernstein Center Diet Dr Health
Grocery Store Ads
Home Sale Vacation
Wondrous Love
Jobs In Business Travel
144 Kriya Technique Yoga
06 Can Dance So Think Tour
Shopping Cart Seat Covers
1 800 Adopt Pet
A Bat Baseball Bat
White Tea During Pregnancy
Carpet Suppliers
03 Svt Cobra
1 Fish Gallon Tank
Batman And Robin Kid Costume
Vci Film
Lack Of Medical Insurance And Personal Bankruptcy
10 Change Exercise Fitness Guide Kathy Life Makeover Nutrition Smith That Week Will
Cover Furniture
10 Edition Manager Medical Student Version
Argent Mortgager
Cheap Apartment In Barcelona
Steel Houses
Sony Consumer Electronics
Allen Baby Ethan Furniture
203k Loan Rehab
Quonset Buildings
Kroger Signature Grocery Store
In Luxury Rent Tenerife Villa
Gross Games
Business World Magazine
Foundation Health Inc Kaiser Plan
Christmas Ornament Clip Art
Real32
1 Cart Hosting Shopping Web
Buena Good Inn Nite Park
Life Of Mary Mother Of Jesus
Truck Trader Florida
Cart Vending
Cosmetic Dentist Jersey New
Fish Great House Lake Lincolnshire
03 Eclipse
12 Volt Wholesales
Farmers And Merchants Bank Cheney
Social Security Disability Hearing
Malignant Benign Mesathelioma Law Firm
William D Ford Student Loan Consolidation
Gardening
108 Generation T Shirt Transform Ways
1 21 Jordan Shoes
Company Field Oil
Free Song Codes For My Space
Cell Free Phone Sprint Tone
Arizona High School Sports
Carnegie Mellon Computational Finance
Entertainment In Las Nv Vegas
Barbie Remote Control Car
Fee Home Job No Typing Work
Worth Mayhem 98
Customer Interview
The Magnolia Village Pub
Album Photo Size Wallet
Mtv
Account Advance Cash Faxing No Savings
Door Lock Handle
Sea Monkeys Products
S3 Savage4
De Molay
Crystal Martini Glasses
Free Idea Shower Baby Centerpiece
1 Beauty Fitness Health Mark Mf
0 Magazine
Coon Dog Pet Sale
0foam Mattress Topper
Custom Earring Card
Forex
10 Ben Cartoon Game Network
Custom Boots
Silver Brazing Alloys
Benefit Of Regular Exercise
Balta Area Rugs
Real Estate Appraisal Software
Fed Osha
0 Auto Financing
Real9
1 Ad Review Supplement
016 Party Pool
0 Finance New Cars
100 Mtv Music Top Video
1 Chocolate Cluster Milk Peanut Pennsylvania Pound
Costume Darth Edition Supreme Vader
Christmas Light Tree White
Harmony Learn Pop Sing
Article Includes Med Pub Search Terms
Philadelphia Portofino Restaurant
Airline Tickets To Canada
Cw Network New Television
Ice Cream Making Equipment
Xbox Xbox Microsoft System X X
Latin Dance Steps
Christmas Decorating Idea Wedding
Camera Cctv Dummy
3 More Play Station Video
Dog Home Hot Steamer
T Mobile Prepaid Camera Phone
Activity Birthday Party Teen
100 Mtv Music Top Video
Home Lansing Michigan Sale
0 Post Washington
West Florida Fishing
Detox Pads
Is It Raining Is It Snowing Is A Huricanne A
Free Sample Free Stuff
Clothing Gap Online Outlet Shopping Store
Fda Dietary Supplements Weight Loss
Philippine Post Office Web Site
Honda Accords For Sale
Dressing Oil Olive Recipe Salad Vinegar
0 Finance
Estate Listing Ontario Real Sudbury
Barbie Dream House New
No Food
Real17
Chicago Entertainment Agency
Wurlitzer Vending Machine
04 Dance Recital
California Home Loan Refinance
10 Chicago In Restaurant Top
Commercial Real Estate In Atlanta Ga
Authentic Thai Food
Flight
Keds Shoes
007 Box Set
Hunter Douglas Duolite
1 District Elementary Phoenix School
Money Cash
Humming Bird Song
Bass Electric Fender Guitar
Senior Living Houston
Bank Login National Riverside
Modern Baby Furniture
Marketing
07 Cup Icc World
St Johns Rehab Hospital
100 Alongside Dessert Dessert Fruit Inside Outside Outstanding Ripe
Mcdonalds Marketing Strategy
Dallas Home Hud In
Chocolate
Roller Duffel Bag
Life8
Florida Park Village Winter
Ups And Downs Snoop Dog Lyric
Celebrity
Sap Jobs In Usa
Real33
10 Customer Manager Relationship Software Top
Texas Medical Insurance
007 Spy Software Download
Wright State College
Argentina Bird Field Guide Uruguay
Praxis Score
1 6 Book Law
German Stuff
Home Theater Furniture Cabinet
Ise Hot Water Dispenser
10 Anniversary Gift Idea Wedding Wife Year
Concord Massachusetts Bed And Breakfast
Discount Happy Perfume
Texas Teacher Retirement System
Massage Supply Therapist
Letterhead Printer
Mineral Make Up For Rosacea
Acne Cause Factor More Risk
1768 Barter System Fur Trade
Lake County Ohio Obituary
Day Spa Miami Beach
101 Detox Drug Testing
Cafe Curtain Striped
University Of San Carlos Cebu City Philippine
Super Solano Hair Dryer
Geoffrey Beene Clothes
In Touch Magazine
How To Use Essential Oils
Birch Home Entertainment Center
Moms Who Work From Home
Cobra Golf Ball
Free Pictures Of Jesus
1 First Bank Of Puerto Rico
Stocks
07 Camry
Accommodation Farm House Tuscany
Puerto Rico Houses Properties
Steel Truck Wheels
Montana Debt Consolidation
London Ontario Flight Schools
Truck Driving School In Ohio
Residential Construction Framing
Cosmetic Surgeon San Francisco
Homemade Carpet Shampoo
1 5 Gym In Little Tikes
Episcopal News Service
Short History Of Nearly Everything
La Quinta Inn Oklahoma City
El Pelicula Perfume
Chaise En Cuir
0 Holds Barred
Christma S Games
Digital Video Camera Tripod
Based Billing Home Medical Software
Orlando Convention Hotel
Riga International Airport
1 5 Adjustable Gym In Little Tikes
Amr Mortgage
Pet Princess Costume
Health News Risk Smoking Teen
Metamorphosis Day Spa
Oak Baby Furniture
California Government Office
Hair Length Medium New Style
Cheat Chronicle Crystal Fantasy Final
Farm Land For Sale In Pa
Fitness Kid Test
Acne Scarring Solution
County Nassau Park
Wakeboarding Videos
Customer Relationship Management Software Marketing Software Sales Software
1 Gas Mask War World
Farm Horse Picture
Weight Loss Nutrition And Exercise
Age Cancer Directory Internet Official Pancreatic Patient Revised Sourcebook Updated
River Cafe Detroit
Cowboy Clothes
Express Holiday Inn Pittsburgh
Sports
Gucci Knock Off Bag
Holiday Made National President Thanksgiving
How To Write A Thesis Statement
City Condo Fl Panama Rental
Antique Cue Pool Rack Table
Brady Bonds
Golf Indoor Range
Globalwarming
Custom Imprinted Tee Shirt
0 Car Deal Finance
Detroit Radio Sports Tiger
02 Civic Si
Online Psychic Psychic Reading
100 Dating Free Latin Site
Accelerant Loss Natural Weight
Airline Arrival Flight Information United
Mortgage
26 Bike Mountain Quest Sierra
Vending Machine In Public Schools
Wonder Dog Cartoon
Kid Shopping Cart
03 Christmas Decorating Home
0 Car Deal Finance New
Detox Diet Online
I Need A Fake Id
Century Custom Design Furniture Mid Modern
1 800 Reconex
Unitrin Insurance
Cosmetic Surgery Procedure
100 Alongside Dessert Dessert Fruit Inside Outside Outstanding Ripe
7 Golf Law Swing
Effects Extract Green Side Tea
Black Soft Leather Vertical Billfold Wallet
Cheetah Dance Girl Music Video
Candy Chocolate Christmas Recipe
On Line Bibles
1 800 Lookup
Key West Hyatt Time Share
Harley Pool Table Light
Cdl Missouri
Chasing Patrol Snow
Football
Chicago Cubs Baseball Ticket
1970s Disco Clothing
Life16
Mesothelioma Attorneys San Diego
Birthday Free Graphic Happy Myspace
Job
Yank Sing Restaurant San Francisco
Woman Of Desire
Forex Global Offer
Upgrade Mac G4
Arbys Fast Food Restaurant
Entertainment Law School Top
1 Answering Answering General Historical Jesus Jesus Jewish Jewish Objection Objection Objection Vol
Stress And College Student
Nigeria Soccer News
Massage Guide And Directory
Tea
Subaru Station Wagon
Free Recipe Tenderloin Venison
Sony Digital Camera Rating
Skincare
Discount Kitchen Cart
Live Master Score Tennis
Scats Gymnastics
California Current Gas Price
Christmas Dress For Infant
Fantasy Football Name Team Top
Camera Receiver Security Wireless
Bar Coding Equipment
Marine Carbs
Bank London Offshore Royal Trust
In Jackson Janet King Magazine
110 Car Complete Driving Emergency Guide Road Safe Staying Survive Them
Bass Shoes And Wallets
1 Dollar Store
Hair Magazine Seventeen Style
First Interstate Bank Billings
Extra Small Shopping Bag
Easy Loan Make Money Quick Way
2 College Georgia In Year
Effects Of Global Warming In Antarctica
Channel 4 Health
1 800 Contacts Coupon Code
0190 Dialer
1 Fish Gallon Tank
100 Carpet Moment Red Top
403 B Plan Retirement
10 Anxiety Fear Overcome Public Shyness Shyness Simple Social Solution Speaking
Unity Candles
0870 National Rate
Rehabilitation
05 Ford Mustang
Does Customer Relationship Management Provide Consumer
Condominium Meetings Attendance Rules
Internet Car Shopping
09 Bird Tattoo
First Bank Pr
10 Gold Jewelry Karat Ring Round Tanzanite Yellow
Car Costa Rental Rica Toyota
Timberland Knee High Boot
A New Beginning School Of Massage
Allen Sc
Death Obituary Poem Poetry
Office Desks Uk
Big Builder Contractor Sky
10 Brain Brain Exercise Logic Mind Minute Puzzle Test Tip Training Workout
Digipal Technisat
Center Drug Free Rehab
Office Team Temp Agency
Irving Berlin White Christmas
Psychic Art
Extra Wide Baby Gate
Tri Fold Wallets
Life36
Garden Grove School Traffic
Jill De Jong
Tony Perez
Dog Fox Picture Terrier
Journal Of Global Warming
1 America Career Coach Secret
Baseball League Major Minimum Salary
Asian Dating Service Woman
Kern School Federal Credit Union
Breakers Square D
Body Jewelry Online
Depression
Too Boot New York
1 Art Cooking French Mastering Volume
Natural Gas Stock Index
0 60 Scion Tc
Business Letter Request
Inn Manchester Travel
Getting Rid
Life17
03 01