AI-generated logos are fast, cheap, and easy, especially for startups. But what happens when you want to protect your brand, grow your business, or secure ownership of your identity?
In this article, we’ll explore:
- What an AI-generated logo actually is
- How it’s created (and where those design elements come from)
- Whether you can copyright it, and why that matters
- Who really owns your AI-generated logo
- What platforms like Canva say in their terms
- Why working with a professional designer is still the safest route to long-term brand value
What is an AI-generated logo?
An AI-generated logo is one that’s created using automated tools like Canva, Looka, Wix Logo Maker, or text-to-image generators such as Midjourney or DALL·E. Instead of being creatively conceived by a human designer, they are assembled via algorithms, templates, or prompts.
They’re fast and they’re often free or low-cost. And for new businesses just starting out, they can feel like a quick win.
But they come with hidden risks, especially if you're planning to grow, trademark your brand, or stand out in a competitive market.
How are AI logos created?
Most AI logos are generated from pre-existing design elements. These can include stock shapes, icons, and typography that are mixed and matched based on user prompts or automated suggestions. In some cases, the elements may be drawn from huge online libraries or even trained on other people’s work, which means originality can be questionable.
Unlike working with a professional designer, AI tools don’t go through a discovery process. They don’t learn about your values, audience, tone of voice, or market position. The result might look polished, but it probably won’t reflect your brand in a meaningful or strategic way.
Can you copyright an AI-generated logo?
This is where things get tricky.
In the US, copyright law requires human authorship. If your logo is entirely created by AI, it cannot be copyrighted. Even if you typed in the prompts, that’s not enough creative input to qualify.
In the UK, the law currently allows copyright in “computer-generated works”, but it’s a grey area. The Copyright, Designs and Patents Act (CDPA) 1988 says that the author is the person who made the arrangements for the work to be created. But this area is under review, and enforcement is uncertain.
In short, even if you think you own it, you might not be protected.
Why does copyright matter?
Copyright gives you:
- Legal ownership
- The right to stop others from using or copying your logo
- A foundation for trademark protection
- Long-term control over your brand’s identity
Without it, your logo could be reused, copied, or challenged, and you’d have little legal ground to defend it.
Real-world examples show how serious this can be. Several companies have landed in legal trouble or been publicly called out for using logos that looked too similar to someone else’s.
Example: Business Insider listed seven companies that faced backlash or lawsuits for copying another company’s logo, including major brands like Airbnb and Instagram clones.
“Over 80 percent of Fortune 500 companies have trademarks protecting their brand names and logos” – Patent PC
“Consistent logo use can lead to a 23 percent increase in revenue. Moreover, 75 percent of consumers can recognise a brand just by its logo, making that visual identity a key driver of trust” – Croplink
Let’s take Canva as an example. According to their AI terms, you do own the outputs you create. However, if you use their templates or stock elements, those elements might still fall under Canva’s own content licenses, which restrict how and where you can use the logo.
That means:
- You may not be allowed to trademark your logo if it uses Canva content
- You may be restricted in how you use it commercially
- Other users might generate very similar logos
So even though you “own” the logo you generated, that ownership is limited and legally shaky.
Why bespoke is still best
A logo isn’t just a symbol. It’s your flag in the ground. Your first impression. A long-term part of your brand identity, and a key to building customer trust.
Working with a professional designer means your logo:
- Is crafted from scratch to reflect your values and vision
- Can be copyrighted and trademarked with confidence
- Is unique and strategically aligned with your goals
- Builds recognition and trust with your audience over time
It’s an investment in your brand, not just a quick fix.
Final thoughts
AI has its place. It’s a tool that can speed up workflows and spark ideas. But when it comes to your logo, the face of your business, ownership, originality, and brand alignment matter.
As a brand designer, I’ve seen how the right logo becomes more than a symbol; it becomes a source of confidence, consistency, and trust. And that’s something AI just can’t replicate.
Your AI logo might do the job today. But will it protect your business tomorrow?
Want to know more?
If you’d like help creating a brand identity you can own and grow with confidence, feel free to get in touch.
