A couple of years ago I designed a logo as a freelance project for a local area health network. While going through the process of finding a design acceptable to them, I offered several options. One of the designs that I was most fond of used an apple and profiles as a key element.

I was trying to convey health and communication, offered as part of the network. Even though I really liked the design, it came across as something that a teacher’s co-op might use. I was still really proud of the work that I put into it and the overall concept. It also led to a discussion that helped Delta Ridge better covey convey what they were looking for in a logo. It served its purpose.

Just a few weeks ago I saw a commercial on TV with a nearly identical logo to that of my design. Being shocked and amazed, I called my wife into the room to see the logo only to once again receive a look of disinterest in the design. While trying to explain the importance to my wife, I forgot to write down the name of the company using the similar design. I wish I had it here to share today. If you see it, have seen it, can find it, please let me know.

I was reminded of this again this week when another apple logo went viral online. After the death of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, a design created by Jonathan Mak, a 19 year-old student in Hong Kong, could be found on all types of social media and all over the web. Even Ashton Kutcher Tweeted about it.

Mak created the tribute logo after Jobs had stepped down as CEO this summer due to health reasons.

While Mak’s design was getting all of this attention, following Jobs’ death, another designer named Chris Thornly came forward with claims that Mak’s logo was a rip-off of his apple/Apple logo. You can read the full story here from the New York Times.

The good news is that it appears that no one was harmed in the design of any of these apple/Apple logos. But it does create an interesting point of knowing what’s out there in the world of design. It also reminds me that I should work even harder to make sure that concepts that I consider mine should be carefully researched, peer reviewed, and inspired. It has been said that “there are no original ideas under the sun,” which may be true if I’m using someone else’s words to end my blog post.