Using well known logos on Leaflets

pcfixmanchester

Hi
Been a long time reader but finally started my own business so time for my
First Ever Post so be kind ;-)

My question is if I would get in any trouble if I used company logos in my leaflet / website ?
To explain further, I going to be doing IT stuff, dont want to go into detail as dont want to get accused of being a spammer. But wish to use a modified version of the Apple, Penguin and "Microsoft Flag" of the big 3 software companies on my marketing to show that I can support those systems.
It seems that so many other companies cover their sites with these types of Logos but at the same time Microsoft and Apple are well known for suing people over everything !!
So can someone put my mind at rest or tell me not to use them. They are modified slightly by just having a word going through the centre of each one, and are pretty small on a business card and at the bottom of the leaflet.
If you not sure what I mean, Message me and I will send you a JPG of what I have. I dont want to post it public so as not to get accused of being a spammer ;-)

Lastly, what are the rules for talking business, I emailed abuse to ask what the rules are but never got a reply ? I notice some people give lots of details about thier business, and overs are very coy about what they do. I wish there was a section were I could ask for a good printer or good electrician and get recomendations from the user.

Anyhow, thanks for reading and please advise if you can.

Cheers

Andy

Mike_by_the_Sea

Hi Andy

Welcome to your first forum post.

As regards logos, you might find this mocrosoft link interesting..

www.microsoft.com/about/legal/trademarks/usage/logo.mspx

Particularly the first section which may apply to you. I think you could be making potential problems for yourself if you do put a word through the centre of the logo's - I think this is a capital offence in the US

As regards finding good recommendations, I often use things like the "Buy with Confidence" or "Trusted Traders" provided by our local trading standards office. I think that most of them have some similar scheme across the country.

Good luck with your new adventure.

Mike