Culture

 

British Queen celebrates

 

This year marks a milestone for the UK’s trade mark system: 150 years since the first trade mark was officially registered. On 1 January 1876, brewers Bass & Co.

became the pioneers, securing what would become the beginning of a legal framework that protects brands, logos, and symbols across the country.

Today, the UK Intellectual Property Office oversees more than 2.5 million registered trade marks, ranging from household names to emerging brands. But as the registry reaches its sesquicentennial anniversary, a question arises: which trade mark stands out as truly iconic?

To celebrate this historic occasion, we’re inviting the public to vote for their favourite UK trade mark, past or present. Is it the instantly recognisable red triangle of Bass, the playful charm of a beloved toy brand, or the distinctive design of a global household name? What is it that elevates a trade mark from mere branding to cultural icon?

Iconic trade marks do more than identify a product—they resonate with people, evoke memories, and represent a piece of the nation’s history. Some have endured for decades, while others capture the spirit of a particular era.

Now is your chance to make your voice heard. Vote for the UK trade mark you believe is the most iconic and join the celebration of 150 years of branding excellence.