The Story Behind the Iconic Umbrella Logo in Resident Evil A Copyright Battle

The iconic Umbrella Corporation logo has become synonymous with the Resident Evil franchise. However, the story behind its creation is not as clear-cut as one might think. In fact, it was the subject of a copyright battle that lasted for years.

The logo was designed by a Japanese artist named Yasuyuki Honne. He created the design for Capcom, the company behind the Resident Evil games, in 1995. The logo features an umbrella with a red and white color scheme, with the word “Umbrella” written underneath in a stylized font.

However, Honne claimed that he never gave Capcom permission to use his design. He filed a lawsuit against the company in 1998, alleging copyright infringement. Honne argued that he had created the logo for a different project and that Capcom had taken it without his consent.

The lawsuit dragged on for years, with both sides presenting their arguments in court. In 2002, the court ruled in favor of Honne, stating that Capcom had indeed infringed on his copyright. The court ordered Capcom to pay Honne damages and to cease using the logo.

Capcom appealed the decision, but the appeal was denied in 2005. The company was forced to remove the logo from all Resident Evil merchandise and promotional materials. They also had to pay Honne a substantial sum of money in damages.

Despite the legal battle, the Umbrella logo remains an iconic symbol of the Resident Evil franchise. Fans of the games continue to wear shirts and hats adorned with the logo, and it is still prominently featured in the games themselves.

In conclusion, the story behind the Umbrella logo in Resident Evil is a cautionary tale about the importance of obtaining proper copyright permissions. While the logo has become an integral part of the franchise’s identity, its creation was marred by a long and contentious legal battle. Nevertheless, the logo remains a beloved symbol of the Resident Evil universe and serves as a reminder of the franchise’s enduring popularity.

The Resident Evil franchise is known for its iconic umbrella logo, which has become synonymous with the survival horror genre. However, few people know the story behind the logo and the copyright battle that ensued.

The original concept for the umbrella logo was created by game designer Shinji Mikami. He wanted a symbol that would represent the evil corporation in the game and convey a sense of power and dominance. The logo features an umbrella with red and white stripes, surrounded by a circle.

However, the logo’s design was not without controversy. The pharmaceutical company, Sanofi, claimed that the umbrella logo was too similar to their own trademarked logo. Sanofi argued that the Resident Evil logo would cause confusion among consumers and harm their brand.

Sanofi filed a lawsuit against Capcom, the game’s developer, for copyright infringement. After a lengthy legal battle, Capcom agreed to pay Sanofi an undisclosed amount of money and modify the logo’s design.

The new logo features a more streamlined design, with the red and white stripes removed and the circle made smaller. Despite the modifications, the umbrella logo remains a recognizable symbol of the Resident Evil franchise.

In conclusion, the story behind the iconic umbrella logo in Resident Evil is one of a copyright battle that resulted in a modified design. However, the logo remains a powerful symbol of the evil corporation in the game and a testament to the franchise’s enduring popularity.