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There are established guidelines about the use of the Play Store logo, Facebook F logo, etc. in websites, etc.

There is a related question on this topic here. Google play store has its guidelines here. Guidelines for Facebook, etc. can be easily found on their sites.

I would like to understand if I can use these logos on printed material as well. Nowhere on these "guidelines" webpages could I find any information about using these logos in print. Should I assume what is written for webpages to apply equally to printed matter?

For example, if I have a new gourmet chocolate shop (and a matching app and FB page), and on my business card (and other printed promo material) I want to include the corresponding logos to remind people that my app/page can also be found on Play store, App Store, as a website (with the Google Chrome logo) and on Facebook, etc. etc.

Is this allowed?

PS: I am new on this specific SE, but I believe graphic design applies generally to all graphic design (online or offline media).

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  • Both facebook and google have request forms to request permission. The best idea is to contact them via these forms if you can't find information specific to your use-case. We can't give you legal advice here.
    – Billy Kerr
    Aug 30, 2020 at 9:41
  • @BillyKerr i think your answer was OK. Is there any particular reason you wish not to answer?
    – joojaa
    Aug 30, 2020 at 9:42
  • @joojaa not sure, but I think it might be off-topic. What do you think? I could undelete it.
    – Billy Kerr
    Aug 30, 2020 at 9:43
  • No i think its ok especcialy if you add a general comment. I would add that using webpage usage on print form is usually not OK. That covers the general question and then you point out that specifically facebook and google disallow usage asked about, presumably print usage instructions are in separate guidelines to those who have been vetted for such use.
    – joojaa
    Aug 30, 2020 at 9:46
  • @joojaa OK. Done.
    – Billy Kerr
    Aug 30, 2020 at 9:50

2 Answers 2

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Generally, you can't assume that brand guidelines for use on web pages will also apply to print. I have managed to find information about using them in some print cases (which might not apply to your specific use-case):

This page on use of google logos/trademarks says:

Google typically does not allow third-party use of our logo or brand features to create paraphernalia or swag.

The facebook brand guidelines say:

Facebook does not permit or license any of its assets for use on merchandise or other products, such as clothing, hats or mugs.

Both facebook and google have request forms for brand use permission. The best idea is to contact them via these forms if you can't find information specific to your use-case. We can't give you legal advice here.

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Ask yourself..

Do you really need a Facebook logo on a business card?
Don't you think Facebook users, who are aware of your company name and are interested, would NOT search for you on Facebook?

Facebook has become ubiquitous. One would not put a Yellow Pages logo next to your phone number. It's the same thing essentially.

All this all holds true for the Play Store/App Store as well. if someone's interested, they'll search..

In printed material (especially a business card) all you need is your website URL. Then on your website you can link to Facebook/Play Store/App Store/whatever. Human nature would be to visit a business' website first.. then see if they have a Facebook page.. an app.. etc.

These types of logos and monikers are really only necessary in printed materials when those materials are specifically advertising that aspect. I mean, clearly if you run an ad about your shop you want to have the Play Store logo so people know the shop is there as well. If you create a sales letter or brochure, you may want them there as well. However, the primary function of any business card is to convey contact information a bunch of random logos and urls will not drive people to those places. Putting myriad urls and logos on a business card does nothing be cause brand confusion and visual chaos. Put these logos and links on your web site where they actually work not on other printed materials especially any business cards. Really, never on a business card.

Business cards should not be "advertising billboards".

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  • The goal is to remind them to do that (search the app on the play store). Yes, you are right that those promo materials are specifically advertizing that aspect. About the business card, there are two sides to it - front and back. One side of it will be clean (name, company name,) like it should. The other side can contain some of these logos, no?
    – ahron
    Aug 31, 2020 at 14:19
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    My personal opinion is no. It devalues the brand. Advertising doesn't really belong on any business card.
    – Scott
    Aug 31, 2020 at 17:35
  • "devalues the brand" very good point. So, summary: those logos/badges belong on the promo material, not on the card. Thanks.
    – ahron
    Sep 2, 2020 at 6:26

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