How to protect your brand from “brandalism”

Brandalism is a term used to describe the intentional defacement or alteration of a brand’s logo, tagline or other visual identity elements. This can be done in many ways, such as graffiti, unauthorized use of a brand’s logo or parody ads that mock or satirize a company’s marketing campaigns.

Brandalism can damage a brand’s reputation, leading to confusion among customers and diluting the brand’s message. However, there are several steps that companies can take to protect themselves against brandalism.

Continually monitor your online presence

This means regularly checking social media, review sites and other platforms to see if anyone uses your brand’s name or logo inappropriately. You can also set up Google Alerts to notify you when your brand is mentioned online.

If you find any instances of brandalism, act immediately. This might involve sending a cease-and-desist letter, contacting the website owner or social media platform or even taking legal action.

Create a strong brand identity

Create a strong visual identity that is difficult to replicate. This might involve using unique colors, fonts and design elements that are not easily copied. It’s also important to trademark your brand’s logo and other visual elements to have legal protection if someone tries to use them without your permission.

Educate your employees and customers

Educating your employees and customers about your brand is also crucial. This can include providing training on recognizing and reporting instances of brandalism and explaining the importance of protecting your brand’s reputation. You can also engage your customers in your brand’s story by sharing your values and mission, which can help build loyalty and discourage negative behavior.

The best way to protect your brand against brandalism is to build a strong reputation through positive branding and marketing efforts. This means creating a compelling message that resonates with your audience and delivers on your brand promise. By doing so, you can establish a loyal customer base that will help protect your brand from negative attacks.

Having a law firm with experience in intellectual property and business law on your side is vital to protecting your business. Contact us to learn how we can help you.