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Rights, Contracts and Privacy in Branding – 10 Questions

What to know about usage rights, contracts and data. These answers do not replace legal advice.

Updated: September 2026

1. Do I own the rights to the logo?

The contract decides. Make sure that after payment you receive comprehensive usage rights to all final designs, unlimited in time and territory.

2. Will I also get the editable files?

Not automatically. Agree that you receive the editable source files so you stay independent later.

3. What about fonts and images?

Fonts, stock photos and music often require licences. Clarify which licences are included and who pays for them.

4. Does the logo automatically protect me as a trademark?

No. For trademark protection, name and logo must be registered with the relevant trademark office. Have it checked by a trademark attorney.

5. What must appear on letters and emails?

It depends on country and legal form – for example company name, legal form, registered office and registration details. The agency implements them; check them with your accountant or lawyer.

6. Do I need a non-disclosure agreement?

For sensitive information such as unreleased products or financial data, an NDA before the briefing can make sense.

7. May the agency show the project as a reference?

Only with your consent. Clarify in the contract whether and from when the agency may show your project in its portfolio.

8. What if I'm not happy with the result?

Clear goals, revision rounds and approvals in the contract help. Raise concerns early – in the strategy or draft phase a lot can still change.

9. How does StartupBrander handle my data?

We only process your details to find the right agency and only forward them with your consent. You can withdraw consent at any time.

10. Who is the contract with – StartupBrander or the agency?

The contract is concluded exclusively between you and the agency. StartupBrander only matches and is not a contracting party.

A proposal, not questionnaires

Describe your project once – we forward it to the ideal agency.

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← FAQ overview

Your branding brief

About 10 minutes. The more precise your answers, the more precise the proposal – and the fewer calls you need.

Take your time – you don't have to do it all at once.Your answers are saved automatically in this browser. Fill in the brief in two or three sessions: close the window, come back later – everything you entered is still there. To continue on another device, save your answers as a file.

1. Your startup

The basics every agency asks first. Associations, NGOs and non-profits are welcome too.

Stage

Business model

Target markets

2. What you need

From strategy and logo to web portal, app and trade-fair booth.

What do you need? Tick everything that applies. Grouped the way branding agencies structure their services. Not sure where to start? Select the essential kit – you can add or remove items afterwards.

Nothing selected yet

★ = essential kit every startup needs

Brand strategy & positioning

Naming & corporate wording

Logo & corporate design

Business stationery

Website, web portal & e-commerce

App & product design (UX/UI)

Pitch deck & investors

Marketing, campaigns & editorial

Packaging design

Trade-fair booth, signage & space

Launch, film & photo

PR & communications

Employer branding & culture

Ongoing support (per month)

3. Starting point

What exists already and where the brand should go.

Why now? The trigger for the project.

What already exists?

What must stay?

at least 20 characters

Interested in a digital competitor analysis?How your competitors show up online: website or shop, which pages and search terms (keywords) bring them the most traffic, social media (Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok), apps and ads. Many agencies do this together with SEO and online-marketing partners.

Brand characterMove the sliders – the middle means «no preference».

PlayfulSerious
ClassicModern
AffordablePremium
UnderstatedBold
Warm & humanTechnical & precise
4. Budget & timing

The two questions that decide whether an agency can help you.

Budget for this project Excl. VAT. A realistic range saves everyone time – agencies scale the scope to it.

Is the budget approved?

Payment models you are open to

Would you be willing to pay part of the fee in company shares (equity)? Some agencies work with startups partly in exchange for a stake – this can lower the cash amount. Whether it is possible is always up to the agency.

How would you like to pay? Some agencies also accept cryptocurrencies – please tell us so we can match you with a suitable agency.

Which cryptocurrencies could you pay with?Only if crypto is possible – tick all that apply.

How fixed is the deadline?

5. Working together

So you are matched with agencies that work the way you do.

Who makes the final decision?

How do you want to choose an agency?We do not forward requests for unpaid creative pitches.

Location of the agency

Preferred agency size

Experience with agencies

Should the agency also take care of legal protection?Trademark search and registration for name and logo, design protection, domains and transfer of usage rights. Agencies usually coordinate this with an IP lawyer. Patents protect technical inventions and are a matter for a patent attorney, not a branding agency.

6. Contact

Who the agencies should talk to.

Preferred first contact

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