Power-on Icon ( ' ) Free of rights?

[MajereXYU]

Hello!

I was wondering if the power switch icon - that is used on most every computer and piece of electronics these days - is free of rights? Meaning, can someone use it for a business logo, for example?

In the specific case I am thinking about, the symbol would be modified a bit but would still retain the familiar imagery. Could the business face trouble for this?

See here for a picture of the power switch icon:

Linky

 

[Designer Dale]

I really doubt you need permission to use such a universal symbol. I looked
around and found these links. the quote is from the link that follows it.

BeatnikPad

"The design of the Power icon doesn’t communicate “power” on its own. Its origin is a mystery, the subject of many questions and few concrete answers. Nevertheless, through repeated use on many devices, the Power icon is a success."

DesignerCorner

Dale

 

[no.1 Apple Fan]

I highly doubt it. If something like that does exist you just draw one up that you changed a little bit in PS.

 

[MajereXYU]

Thanks for the quick replies!

Macrumors enjoys such a helpful community!

Both your answers confirm what I was thinking but a little reassurance is always welcomed.

 

[kockgunner]

I always thought it was a combination of | and O for on and off of vacuum tubes old computers or something.

 

[Pixellated]

I always thought it was a combination of | and O for on and off of vacuum tubes old computers or something.

I thought that too, actually.

 

[Unibody5]

I've thought of the "O" being a complete circuit (wire), and the "|" being something to break it?

 

[pesawyer]

I'm not sure but I think the origin is in binary "1 and 0" for "on and off" respectively. Then with common use of momentary push button switches this has evolved into the 1 inside the 0 to create the familiar symbol we see on everything today.

 

[eellingb]

Iso/iec 5009

The symbol is from ISO/IEC 5009. Quote from Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_symbol

"IEC 5009, the standby symbol (line partially within a broken circle), indicates a sleep mode or low power state. The switch does not fully disconnect the device from its power supply. This may appear on a toggle switch opposite a power on symbol, alone on a pushbutton that places the device into a standby state, or alone on a button that switches between on and standby.

Alternatively, under IEEE 1621, this symbol simply means "power".[2]"​

 

[Consultant]

I am sure many sites already have the same idea. Such as AppleGeeks comic.

The symbol is from ISO/IEC 5009. Quote from Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_symbol

.....

Cool info. Thanks.