Are Safety Signs Copyrighted? Understanding the Legal Landscape

Safety signs are a vital component of workplace and public safety, providing clear instructions and warnings to reduce risks. But are these signs subject to copyright? For businesses and professionals dealing with signage, understanding the legalities is crucial.

Are safety signs copyrighted?

The short answer is: most safety signs are not copyrighted, as they adhere to internationally or nationally recognised standards. These standards, such as those established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) or the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE), are designed to ensure universal comprehension and compliance rather than to restrict usage. 

Standardised Symbols and Copyright

Standard safety symbols, like those found in the ISO 7010 set, are typically considered public domain. These symbols—such as the ubiquitous "no smoking" sign or fire exit marker—are created to be universally understood across languages and cultures. They are not copyrighted, so anyone can use them without seeking permission or paying royalties.

Customised Designs and Branding

However, safety signs can sometimes include elements that are copyrighted or trademarked. For instance:

• Custom Illustrations: A bespoke hazard warning symbol designed uniquely for a particular organisation might be protected under copyright law.

• Company Logos: If a safety sign incorporates a company’s logo, the logo itself is protected by trademark laws. This does not affect the standard symbol but means you cannot reuse the branded design without permission.

Physical Products and Layouts

While the basic designs of safety signs are not protected, the specific layouts or physical designs of a product sold by a signage manufacturer may be. For instance, a company might copyright the way information is arranged or the specific combination of colours and fonts used. This protection applies only to that exact design and does not prevent others from creating compliant safety signs using the standard symbols.

Staying Compliant

For businesses creating or selling safety signs, it is best practice to adhere to ISO or HSE standards. Not only does this guarantee legal compliance, but it also ensures the signs meet safety regulations and are immediately recognisable.

In conclusion, most safety signs are not copyrighted when based on standardised symbols. However, custom elements or branded content might be protected. Professionals in the signage industry should remain informed to avoid infringing on intellectual property rights while maintaining compliance with safety regulations.