Filed under: Odds and ends, Internet Tools, Graphic Design
The bluebird of happiness
Our friends over at the Iconfactory have a devil of a time protecting one of their more popular icons: David Lanham's blue bird that adorns their Twitterrific software.
Turns out there are plenty of people that think the icon is free for the taking, and have used it in all kinds of projects and web sites.
Of course, this means more work for Ged Maheux, tracking down each person and letting them know that, no, they can't use the icon, because it's for a piece of commercial software.
The good news is that there are, however, plenty of design alternatives to the Iconfactory's copyrighted artwork. Lots of friendly, smiling flyers have come out of the woodwork/birdhouse -- and they're free to use for your website or other non-commercial project. Read on for a rhapsody in bluebirds.
Function has the friendliest, smiliest alternative for you.
If you're the curious, inquisitive sort of tweeter, then this member of Smashing Magazine's Practicka icon set is for you.
If you're looking for more of a badge than an icon, Randa Clay has some good options.
Want to create your own? Vectortuts has a great tutorial.
All of these are free to use, but some have certain rights restrictions (with regard to commercial applications) or linking requirements attached. Make sure you understand what permission you have to use the artwork posted before you go and snatch it.
![TUAW [Cafepress]](http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.tuaw.com/media/tuaw-cafepress-promo.png)
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Lotus Elise Blog said 2:48PM on 9-25-2008
Something I've always gotten a kick from is how Panic treats those who steal their icons...
http://www.panic.com/extras/ripoff/
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Geoff said 3:01PM on 9-25-2008
I prefer the bluebird of friendliness. It's always near.
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Kristi said 3:15PM on 9-25-2008
Oh noes! Does that mean I have to put my Spore creature to sleep? www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0ZPDEu5EGw
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Kristi said 3:19PM on 9-25-2008
Whoops, botched the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0ZPDEu5EGw
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micah said 4:07PM on 9-25-2008
It looks originally stolen from Pixar's Bug's Life.....
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Kevin said 4:13PM on 9-25-2008
Slow news day today?
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CaptSaltyJack said 4:14PM on 9-25-2008
This is BS. Imagine if Apple contacted TUAW or MacRumors and said "don't ever use the Apple logo on your site - ever." It's not like they're using the bluebird icon in some unrelated context, like a pet food store. They're keeping it relevant to Twitter. I don't see the problem.
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Todd Sieling said 7:55PM on 9-25-2008
The problem is that the icon is for Twitterific, not Twitter. People are taking it to mean Twitter itself, and not the client that Iconfactory made. Apple owns their logo, and that logo is about their products, which is why they likely don't have problems with people using and modifying the logo.
jonathan ober said 4:36PM on 9-25-2008
well the problem comes in when the brand is used in a way that is not cohesive with the whole message. you're right to say that the sites listed weren't using the logo incorrectly, but you are wrong to say that is shouldn't matter. thats why logos are copywritten or trademarked or registered, to protect the integrity of the design/message/company. did you see the example of the twitter bird with the pole through him dead as if he was on a rotisserie? now that is brand butchering and takes away from the twitter mark. Many companies offer "use these logos without changing them clauses attached to them" on their sites which may be used. but only if the logo is kept in its original design scheme. they are creative...but ultimately probably infringing on copyright violations and such.
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Andrew Harrison said 8:41PM on 9-25-2008
Except for the part where you missed the whole point, you're absolutely correct.
The problem is not that people are using the Twitter logo to reference Twitter, nor is the problem that people are butchering the Twitter logo.
The problem is that people are using the Twitterrific logo (an application developed by a third party with no relation to Twitter) to reference Twitter.
It's like using the McDonald's logo to reference hamburgers in general - I'm certain McDonald's would get very upset.
Cory said 4:39PM on 9-25-2008
Wrong!!!! If they are referring to their software, they can use it - much like you did in this story. If I write a story on Apple, I can use a picture of their logo because I'm referring to the copyright owners - it happens all the time. I'd think every newspaper would have major lawsuits otherwise - just look at their business section, and not are articles are positive ones (but fair comment and truth are a defense).
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erik said 5:20PM on 9-25-2008
I went the photo-realistic route and used a creative commons licensed picture of a bluebird.
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Ender said 5:32PM on 9-25-2008
Better get on the horn and let ArsTechnica know this so they can take off the Microsoft Office logo on this page:
http://arstechnica.com/journals/microsoft.ars/2008/09/25/support-for-office-2003-sp2-to-end-in-october
Ditto for Windows 7 and Myspace Music here:
http://www.wired.com/
Oh crap, even Wikipedia is getting sneaky putting the Apple logo here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apple_Computer
Shut 'em down. Shut 'em down to hell!
Seriously, don't they know that the more people see that little blue birdie, the more people will try to find out what the hell Twitter actually is (I mean, ask the president if he uses twitter and he'll just give you a blank stare—wait... that's 95% of the looks he gives anyway).
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MikeN said 5:37PM on 9-25-2008
Ok, trademark the damn thing, end of story.. if your not going to trademark your logo.. then be prepared to spend the time getting people not to use it..
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Gedeon Maheux said 7:16PM on 9-25-2008
Great to read all the comments about our little Blue Bird that could. Being in the freeware icon biz, we don't have too much of a problem with the use of the birdie on blogs and for informational pieces like this.
What we do have a problem with is when companies use the bird as part of their corporate branding, or to hock their products and services in relation to Twitter.
http://files.iconfactory.net/funny/chicks_wguns.png
It's happened before and we unfortunately have to do everything we can to prevent our logo / icon / creation being associated with products and services we don't use / endorse / partner with.
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Bill Grant said 8:56PM on 9-25-2008
Anyone else notice that the price went down (when it was supposed to go up) when that silly service removed Twitterific's icon?
Too funny.
Dakk said 7:32PM on 9-25-2008
He's always looked like he's sweating or something anyway.
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Pasquale said 7:52PM on 9-25-2008
Whatever the case is, I'm glad that I was able to work with Function to create something free for all! :)
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Lacking Balls said 10:52AM on 9-26-2008
So what was the point of putting the icon out in highres, as a png, with no watermark on Flickr? I get protecting their property but if I leave my car with the keys in and the windows down in the ghetto I shouldn't complain when it gets stolen.
It is good that IconFactory is ok with personal use though.
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Mandy said 8:32PM on 11-13-2008
I am so glad I read this. I am taking down the bird and putting up an alternate bird...and not the finger! Thanks
Mandy
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