Airbnb’s new logo prompts claims of theft

Observers have noticed similarities between the travel-rental company’s new ‘Belo’ logo and other companies’ marks. If your brand is working on a new logo, take note.

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Airbnb is all about shared spaces. People list properties—often rooms in their own homes—for people to rent as travel accommodations.

According to some critics, the company may have taken the idea of sharing too far with its new logo, which Airbnb is calling the “Belo.” PR professionals, designers, and marketers, take note. If your brand unveils a logo that even looks a little like someone else’s—and Airbnb’s looks a lot like some of these—people will call you out:

Looks like @airbnb‘s new logo is a copy of http://t.co/NIcVtmk1oZ pic.twitter.com/bSMcBjVXar

— Jad Limcaco (@jadlimcaco) July 16, 2014

I can’t be the first to notice that @Airbnb‘s new logo is the @gowalla kangaroo’s ears upside down right?@jw pic.twitter.com/8VDFAgLBap

— Filip Mares (@filipmares) July 16, 2014

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