I couldn’t agree more, too often copied logos have very small or even no relationship to the original, which is of course bad in its own way as we may not be able to make the connection.

“the organisation I used to work for was the University of Westminster Students’ Union, hence why the street sign was copied and it made good sense”

Something like that I can appreciate, where I get lost is seeing an icon like the London Underground copied for restaurants, candy, clothes and a plethora of other odd choices.

If this actually happened then it would be bad news for people using or selling the many fakes (fake tube designs on hats, clothing, key rings, badges, bits and bobs and many other things and momentos we like to buy when we’re on holiday) as they would have to pay a royalty and lose a significant amount of revenue.

In the end the government decided the not go through with it because it will cause more bad than good to ordinary people, and I agree. I used to work in an organisation where the logo was a copy of the Westminster street sign, if it was copywrited we would of had to do some major rebranding, the street sign logo was very good and is an important asset.

I feel I should add the organisation I used to work for was the University of Westminster Students’ Union, hence why the street sign was copied and it made good sense. Instantly recognisable, especially at national conferences where other delegates can easily recognise where we’re from without even reading out logo.

TFL has some great logos and branding, it doesn’t get the credit it deserves sometimes.

Jon,
I’m with you, obviously using simple geometric shapes your bound to find similar designs, but these are pure copies which I’m not a fan off.

They are copied because the folks utilizing those logos are most likely betting that the familiarity of the London Underground logo will benefit them. I see it a lot with smaller companies especially if they happen to have a commonality in the name.

British ruled India and perhaps this is where these originated. In my mind this icon is associated with a rail stop, any rail stop, a station. It was only after many many years that I realized in the Western world people associated it with The London Underground.

In my travels through South East Asia and now in Australia, I have seen this style being used everywhere from Kid’s Stores http://www.kidscentral.com.au/ to fashion stores to book stores. Till a year ago I actually thought “Oh clever! They are using the railway station sign”.

I think the common man just associates it in that manner. And yes the others are copies, everyone just likes using them and thinks its kind of tongue-in-cheek I reckon.
Sneh Roy´s last blog ..Day And Night Scenes – Fun Free Vectors

Stan G,
You’re right that every person isn’t going to know the original logo and might not recognize a copy, but I definitely think it’s recognizable enough not to use it.

Julie,
Oops, got my dates mixed up there somewhere. The correct information is now there, thanks for the catch.