Letter: It's good to sign

I NOTE with interest your article ("BT and Standard Life in hand to hand combat", 2 April) concerning the disagreement between BT and Standard Life Bank over the use of the handshape in their advertising campaigns.

The handshape in question is also the British Sign Language (BSL) shape for "telephone". It is used and adapted in various contexts within BSL whenever telecommunications is discussed. It is not my intention to question the origin of the handshape; however, I hesitate to think of the implications for deaf people should "ownership" of the handshape logo be established. Will we be liable for a fee for use of the shape? Being deaf myself, I shall be watching any developments with vested interest.

JEFF McWHINNEY

Chief Executive

British Deaf Association

London EC2