In Spain, many property owners try to protect their homes and apartments from theft and illegal entry by placing signs on their facades warning of alarms or video surveillance. However, not everyone knows that using the logo or name of a real security company without an official contract can lead to serious fines.
According to current legislation, specifically Law 5/2014 on private security, it is prohibited to use the trademarks, names, or logos of security companies if their services have not been officially contracted. Violation of this rule can result in fines of up to €600 for each day the sign remains visible.
The reason for such strict measures lies not in the act of warning about security itself, but in creating a false impression of professional protection of the property. In this way, a person or organization placing such a sign presents themselves as a client of a security company, even though in reality no agreement exists. This is regarded as illegal use of corporate identity and may qualify as a violation of intellectual property rights.
In addition to administrative fines, the company whose name or logo was used without permission has the right to go to court and demand compensation for the damage caused. If damage to business reputation or fraudulent use of the brand is proven, the amount of compensation may increase significantly.
It is important to note that the installation of neutral signs, which do not mention a specific company, is not considered a violation. For example, if a sign on the premises reads “CCTV in operation” without referencing a brand, this does not contravene the law, provided data protection regulations are observed. However, if the sign features the name or logo of a registered company without a maintenance contract in place, this is grounds for sanctions.
Therefore, attempts to cut costs on security services by using branded signage without permission may lead not only to administrative fines but also to litigation. Experts advise: if you cannot sign a contract with a security company, it is better to use general warning signs that do not reference any specific brands.
In conclusion, displaying fake signs with security company logos is not a harmless measure, but a violation for which significant fines are imposed in Spain. The law protects not only the interests of companies but also consumers, in order to prevent misleading information about the security level of a property.
