How Should We Handle Employees Misusing Company Logos on Social Media?

Hi,

I am faced with a problem. We are having a BPO voice process where a bunch of employees created a community on Orkut and misused logos and products. This issue came to our notice only when a client from the US emailed us about this incident. When questioned, they said they did it for fun, but it has left a bad taste in our mouths. Could you please advise me on what actions should be taken in such instances?

Mr. Lal

Dear Mr. Lal,

If the employees are using the company's name and logo for certain business purposes, then it is okay, but that should also be done with the knowledge of management. Misusing the company's name and logo is not correct, and depending on the extent of the misuse, severe action could be taken.

Thanks and regards,
L. Kumar

Hi,

First, check how many members are using your company logo and name.

If the company name and logo are being used for business purposes (employee personal business use), you can terminate them without prior notice. Before terminating them, clarify the situation, and do not provide any settlements, experience letters, relieving letters, or salary slips. You can also involve the crime branch to take legal action against such individuals. In Chennai, there is a crime branch in Egmore, but I am unsure about its location in Kerala.

If the company name and logo are being used for fun purposes, instruct the employees not to do so. Inform them that if caught, a memo will be issued, and termination without salary or settlement will follow.

(You will not be able to guess if the employee enters Orkut under a different name.)

Arrange a meeting and politely explain the company's norms, standards, and address the misuse of Orkut by employees.

We faced the same problem in our organization. We directed the employee (for personal business purposes) to complete the project without profit. If refusal occurs, the employee will be reported to the crime branch and could face imprisonment for three years with a fine ranging from 10k to 25k rupees, depending on the case.

Regards,

Gayathri R.

HR Executive

Hi Folks,

Is it possible to retain those persons' settlement? If so, how long can we retain the settlement?

Sekar Devaraj
Rane (Madras) Limited.

Dear,

This must have happened inadvertently without realizing the consequences of their actions by those who are involved. That definitely does not mean that their actions can be condoned. Legal action can be taken, but as I said, it must have happened without any wrong intentions. Everybody needs to be given a second chance to correct themselves. Give a stern warning, forgive, and forget. But if repeated again, take severe action.

Rgds, RGS.

After giving him the warning not to do so, if he accepts the warning and gets himself onto the correct path, we can leave him without any penalty. If he repeats the mistake, you can retain (profit) the amount according to your loss (organization loss). This is what we have done for two people in our organization as per norms.