150 years on: the trade marks that mean the most to us 

In January 2026, The IPO marked 150 years of the UK trade mark registry. Established in 1876, the registry acts as a record of trade marks and provides legal protection for brand names, logos and other marks that distinguish goods or services. The registry started with UK trade mark UK00000000001, the Bass red triangle logo, and there are now over 2.5 million trade marks registered in the UK, with 200,000 applications in the last year alone. 

Of course, we couldn’t let this special milestone pass us by, so we decided to mark the occasion by asking the public which UK trade marks were iconic for them and why. 

UK’s most iconic brands 

As the votes came flooding in, it was immediately clear how passionate people felt about trade marks. Responses provided us with some interesting, heart-felt, inspiring and even funny comments.  

For many, there was a deep sense of comfort in seeing something that has stood unchanged through the years, proof that even simple designs can carry identity, tradition, and reassurance. Personal stories surfaced too — symbols that echoed family life, childhood nostalgia, a sense of belonging and pride of place.    

As we made our way through the votes, there was one name that kept appearing — Rolls Royce. The instantly recognisable RR emblem was described as a benchmark for excellence, a mark that instantly communicates engineering pedigree, reliability and pride, and it’s evident that it’s secured its place as a truly iconic trade mark in the UK and beyond. 

While Rolls Royce was top of the poll, there were many other trade marks that strongly resonated with our audience across an array of products and services.  

A taste of the nation 

Living up to our reputation as a nation of foodies, trade marks relating to food and drink featured heavily, with brands like Tate and Lyle, Marmite, and Heinz securing votes for their strong associations with childhood memories, comfort and quality. But it was Cadbury and Twinings tea who received the most votes in the food and drink category. 

People shared how Cadbury and its iconic shade of purple was associated with celebrations and memories that stretch across generations. Twinings tea was recognised for having the longest unchanged logo and being part of a long-standing tradition that unites family and friends.  

Marks we know and trust 

As I looked through some of the front runners, many of the brands had a quintessentially British feel to them. The BBC was spoken about as a trusted constant in national life. Burberry’s check pattern, representing timeless British style with a recognisable identity of its own. The fondness for Mini’s place in pop culture shone through, described as a design icon with personality. Meanwhile Transport for London's Roundel stood out as a beacon that’s been connecting people and places for more than a century. 

And then there were the ones that surprised me, but when I looked deeper into the meaning behind them, I could absolutely understand why they are so popular. Every parent, including myself, recognises the trade mark for the staple of the medicine cabinet, Calpol. It resonated as a symbol of care and reassurance in family life and has certainly featured in mine!  

Yet where Calpol reassures, Radio Caroline appeals to people’s sense of rebellion. A musical blast from the past, conveying cultural independence and the freedom to chart its own course, breaking away from mainstream conventions. 

Here to stay 

One theme that came through strongly in the voting was that longevity matters. Many of the most‑mentioned trade marks have been around for generations and have changed very little visually. Respondents repeatedly talked about consistency, trust and heritage, brands that “haven’t needed to change” because what they stand for is already clear.  

There are more than 400 trade marks registered before 1900 that are still protected on the register today. Of course, none have been around longer than Bass. The Bass red triangle label was registered on the very first day the registry began and holds its own special place in IP history. Read our Bass blog for the full story of how it became the first trade mark registered in the UK.  

As we celebrate 150 years of the UK Trade Mark Registry, one thing is clear. Trade marks aren’t just symbols to us – they become part of who we are. 

Whether they evoke childhood memories, everyday comforts or shared national moments, these marks have earned their place through trust, consistency and longevity. From the red triangle to the brands we see, taste and hear every day, they are woven into our lives – and into the story of the last 150 years.