Design Logos for CD, DVD and VHS

There's no law stating which logos and graphics must be on your product and packaging, but there are some general rules that you can benefit from if you wish to make your packaging user-friendly for radio programmers, reviewers, media, etc. 

• The number of uses for CDs and DVDs is increasing and so it's important to mark your disc 
   with the appropriate logo (and in a size that can be easily read) which helps to identify its use.
  

Copyright & Publishing

• This consists of the name, date, copyright symbol and performing rights organization.  If all 
   material is written by the same person(s), one notice will do. For example: All music and lyrics
   © Joe Smith 2005 (SOCAN).
• If a publisher is attached, include this name as well (even if it's your own publishing house) For
   example: © 2005 Joe Smith/Easy Tunes Music.
• A separate copyright notice should cover the product (CD, DVD or VHS) itself. For example: 
  © 2005 The Joe Smith Band, (P) 2005 Indie Lane Records.
   

• The MAPL logo was developed to identify the quantity of Canadian content on your album.
   Every licensed radio station in Canada must meet 'Canadian content' quotas and, by placing
   the MAPL logo on your CD, you stand a better chance of receiving airplay in Canada.
• The logo should be placed on your traycard and on your disc.

• M - Composer of the music.
• A - Principle performer of the music or lyrics.
• P - Place the performance was recorded.
• L - Writer of the lyrics.
 
• A white letter on a black background signifies Canadian content or performance.
• A black letter on a white background signifies non-Canadian content or performance.
  

• A FACTOR logo must be included if the project is FACTOR-funded.
• A Canadian Heritage logo must be included if the project is FACTOR-funded.
• Any other sponsors' logos.
  

• CDs and DVDs qualify for free trade under NAFTA (the North American Free Trade 
   Agreement). The goods can be shipped from Canada into the USA without tariff or duty 
   charges, but the words 'Made In Canada' must be legible on the outside of the package. 
   Typically the lettering is added on the back of the packaging in conjunction with the barcode, 
   copyright notice, or 'unauthorized use' disclaimer on the back of the package.
• There is no specific graphic for this item, so your graphic designer can incorporate the text as 
   part of your design.
  

• If you intend to sell your product in any retail outlet or internet store, a bar code will be 
   necessary.
• Barcodes are available from ExoMedia Inc.
• Fully packaged CD, DVD and VHS orders for 500+ units receive a FREE barcode.
• Separate barcodes are required for each product variation (cassette, CD, EP, single, etc.).
• Bar codes must be placed precisely as supplied (no re-sizing, cropping, etc.).
 

Important Additions (these should be printed on  your CD tray card)