Using recognizable brands, logos, or images of real people in cover art raises trademark and right-of-publicity issues distinct from standard artwork quality rejections.
11.9.1 The underlying legal issue
Using a third party's trademarked logo, or a real, identifiable person's image, in commercial cover art without authorization can constitute trademark infringement or a right-of-publicity violation — separate from copyright, and separate from the technical artwork standards in 2.2.
11.9.2 Common rejection scenarios
- Streaming service logos or wordmarks (already separately prohibited under 2.2.3 for a different reason — misleading platform affiliation)
- Other brand logos (apparel, consumer products) used decoratively without licensing
- A celebrity or public figure's photo used to imply an endorsement or collaboration that doesn't exist
11.9.3 When a person's image is acceptable
Using your own likeness, or the likeness of someone who has provided documented consent (a featured artist, a collaborator who agreed to appear on the artwork), is not a violation — the issue is specifically the unauthorized commercial use of someone else's identity or trademark.
Source: MadDesk article 11.9 (11-9)