The Story Behind the Umbrella Logo in Resident Evil and Copyright Issues

Resident Evil is a popular survival horror video game franchise that has been around for over two decades. It is known for its iconic logo featuring a red and white umbrella. But have you ever wondered what the story behind this logo is? And what about copyright issues?

The Umbrella Corporation is a fictional pharmaceutical company that plays a significant role in the Resident Evil series. It is responsible for the creation of the T-virus, a dangerous virus that turns people into zombies. The red and white umbrella logo represents the company and has become synonymous with the franchise.

The logo was designed by artist Yasuhisa Kawamura, who was working for Capcom at the time. According to Kawamura, he was inspired by the parasols used by women in his hometown of Kyoto, Japan. He wanted to create a logo that would be recognizable and memorable, and the umbrella seemed like the perfect symbol.

However, the design of the umbrella logo has also been the subject of controversy. In 1999, a German company called Umbrella Deutschland sued Capcom for copyright infringement, claiming that the logo was too similar to their own. Capcom argued that the logo was original and not based on Umbrella Deutschland’s design. The case was eventually dismissed, but it raised questions about the legality of using similar logos in different industries.

Since then, the umbrella logo has become an integral part of the Resident Evil franchise. It has appeared on merchandise, promotional materials, and even in the movies based on the games. Fans of the series have also created their own versions of the logo, showcasing their love for the game.

In conclusion, the story behind the umbrella logo in Resident Evil is a fascinating one. It represents the fictional Umbrella Corporation and has become an iconic symbol of the franchise. While there have been copyright issues in the past, the logo has remained a beloved part of the series.

The iconic umbrella logo has become synonymous with the popular video game series, Resident Evil. But what is the story behind the logo, and have there been any copyright issues surrounding its use?

The umbrella logo was designed by Japanese artist, Kenichi Iwata, who was also responsible for designing the characters and creatures in the first Resident Evil game. The logo was meant to represent the sinister corporation, Umbrella Corporation, which is the main antagonist in the game series.

The Umbrella Corporation is a fictional pharmaceutical company that secretly develops bioweapons and viruses for military use. The company’s logo, an umbrella with a red stripe, is a symbol of the deadly viruses that the corporation unleashes on the world.

Since the release of the first Resident Evil game in 1996, the umbrella logo has become a trademark of the series. It has been used on merchandise, promotional materials, and even in the movies based on the games.

However, the use of the umbrella logo has not been without controversy. In 2009, a German company called Umbrella Corporation GmbH filed a trademark application for the umbrella logo in Europe. This caused concern among fans of the Resident Evil series, who feared that the company would prevent the use of the logo in future games and merchandise.

Capcom, the company that produces the Resident Evil games, filed an opposition to the trademark application, arguing that the umbrella logo was already associated with the Resident Evil series and that allowing the trademark would cause confusion among consumers.

In 2013, the European Union Intellectual Property Office rejected Umbrella Corporation GmbH’s trademark application, stating that the umbrella logo was too similar to the logo used in the Resident Evil series and that it would cause confusion among consumers.

The trademark dispute highlights the importance of protecting intellectual property rights in the gaming industry. Companies like Capcom invest significant resources into creating unique characters, stories, and logos, and it’s essential that they have the legal protection to prevent others from profiting off their work.

In conclusion, the umbrella logo in Resident Evil is an iconic symbol of the series and the sinister corporation it represents. While there have been copyright issues surrounding its use, the logo remains a beloved and recognizable part of the Resident Evil franchise.