Protecting Creative Assets, Intellectual Property Rights and Your Brand’s Reputation

Your brand is more than just a logo or tagline.

It is your emotional connection to customers. It is your competitive edge.
And critically, it is intellectual property that must be protected.

Each year, intellectual property (IP) theft costs between $225 to $600 billion in the United States alone.
That figure only accounts for financial damage. It does not capture the time, trust, and reputation lost when a brand’s creative work is stolen or misused.

Even if you are not battling patent trolls, brand and design theft is a real threat. You need to protect your assets and avoid infringing on others.

What You Will Learn

• A real-world IP case
• What IP protection means for brands
• Copyright vs. trademark explained
• How to avoid infringement
• Design ownership principles
• Digital security concerns
• Selecting the right creative partners

Case Study: The Dog That Bit Back

Modern Dog Design vs. Target and Disney (2011)

Modern Dog Design alleged that Target and Disney copied artwork for a t-shirt from their 25th Anniversary Poster. The companies reportedly lifted the design directly from an Amazon preview image.

The defense argued that there are limited ways to draw a dog, suggesting the similarities were coincidental.

The case settled privately.

However, Modern Dog nearly went bankrupt pursuing justice, and Target and Disney faced reputational damage that continues to be referenced in creative law circles today.

The outcome was a cautionary tale for both sides. Original designs are valuable—and infringement is costly.

Why Brand IP Protection Matters

Your brand assets—including logos, design work, campaign visuals, packaging, and content—are intellectual property.

In marketing and design, success depends on distinctiveness.

When your designs are recognizable and memorable, they drive market share.

This makes them valuable. And value requires protection.

Copyright vs. Trademark: What to Know

Copyright

Gives the creator exclusive rights to use, share, or adapt creative works like designs, writing, and visual content.
Automatically granted upon creation.
Typically valid for the creator’s life plus 50 to 100 years.

Trademark

Protects commercial brand identifiers such as names, logos, and slogans.
Must be actively used in commerce and may require formal registration.
Example: The Nike Swoosh.

In summary:
Copyright protects creative works.
Trademark protects commercial branding.

Three Questions Before Using Any Asset

When using any design or visual asset, always ask:

1. Did I create this myself?
2. Is it an original concept?
3. Do I have the right or license to use it?

"Whenever I use templates, fonts, or mockups I did not create from scratch, I always check the sources. It is common sense and good business."
— Piotr Smietana, Marketing Creative Director

Inspiration vs. Infringement

It is normal to gather creative inspiration. Designers are influenced by their surroundings and culture.

But how much inspiration becomes too much?

• How much of the original work is replicated?
• Does the new use harm the original creator’s ability to profit?
• Has the new design transformed the original enough to be considered a new creation?

In commercial contexts, even fair use and parody protections are limited. When in doubt, create from scratch or license the work.

Who Owns Your Designs?

When you partner with DolFinContent, ownership rights are transferred to you upon delivery.

DolFinContent ensures all work respects intellectual property rights and complies with best practices.

If you modify the design later or work with a new creative partner, they assume responsibility for maintaining compliance.

Digital IP Theft: A Growing Threat

The internet enables fast collaboration. It also exposes brands to theft and misuse risks.

According to PWC, 40 percent of organizations that experienced fraud between 2020 and 2022 traced vulnerabilities to digital platforms.

Your best defense includes:

• Working with secure partners like DolFinContent
• Using strong digital security tools
• Training your team to recognize IP risks

Selecting a Secure Design Partner

When evaluating creative partners, review:

• Security protocols and certifications
• Data privacy practices
• Intellectual property compliance and designer training

"At DolFinContent, our designers are trained in intellectual property rights. We enforce strict security protocols to protect client work and ensure creative integrity."
— Eliott Wahba, CEO

Awareness Is Your Strongest Asset

Protecting intellectual property requires awareness, not fear.

With the right knowledge, clear agreements, and trusted partners, you can safeguard your brand while continuing to grow.

Your brand is your story. Make sure you control how it is told.

Need an IP-Safe Design Partner?

DolFinContent delivers world-class creative solutions with full respect for intellectual property rights.

Our work is secure, compliant, and original—built to drive results and protect your brand’s value.

Let’s Chat.