Amarillo has rolled out a new official municipal insignia that looks like someone else’s design.

At best, it’s a remarkable coincidence. At worst, it’s a serious embarrassment for City Hall.

Take a look at it on the link attached here.

http://www.connectamarillo.com/news/story.aspx?id=970127#.UoLG5Ernat9

OK, so I’m not on the inside knowing what goes into approving and producing logos. I’m betting that City Hall is now looking for ways to re-design its official logo in light of what’s been revealed.

As the link notes, the city logo is a carbon copy of a logo designed for a Dubai-based property developer.

Aren’t there ways to verify that designs like this do not infringe on copyrighted designs produced by others?

City officials say they’re looking into it. They say they’ll keep the design until their investigation is complete.

Here’s another idea. Pull the logo down immediately, go back to the old one, complete the investigation into how this mistake occurred, take steps to correct those mistakes (and perhaps consider disciplining those involved) — and then hire someone who can design a suitable logo that doesn’t step on someone else’s toes.