Logo Usage - Copyrights & Trademarks

A professional marketing society to which I belong has been debating the issue of using client logos in proposals to the client.  

A lot of people use a client's logo on the cover page of a proposal. They may scan a business card or download the logo from the client's Web site.  

But, this is typically being done without permission. In the vast majority of cases, it seems that the clients don't care, or are even flattered that a firm went to that extent to customize the proposal.  

However, I'm sure there are trademark and/or copyright violations every time it is done.  

On the other hand, I regularly get sample pens, mouse pads, etc. from specialty advertising vendors who want my business. For instance, they may create a mouse pad with my company's logo so I can see how it will look. But their "gift" is unsolicited. I didn't ask for it, or give them permission to use the logo. Personally, I don't have a problem with it. But I'd think that where trademarks / copyrights are concerned, it is no different then sending a proposal with a client's logo.  

Thoughts on the issue?  

Thanks,  

• Scott Butcher

Scott D. Butcher, CPSM
Director, Business Development