What is the oldest unchanged active trademark?
Asked by: Fausto Price | Last update: May 20, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (45 votes)
The oldest unchanged active trademark is widely recognized as the winged hourglass logo of Longines, a Swiss watchmaker, registered in 1889 and still in use today, making it the longest continuously used logo recognized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). While other very old marks exist (like the Bass Brewery red triangle), Longines' mark stands out for its unbroken use and international registration under the Madrid Agreement from 1893, demonstrating remarkable foresight in brand protection.
What is the oldest unchanged trademark?
British tea company Twinings has the world's oldest unaltered logo that has been in continuous use with no alterations made to the logo's design. It was created for the tea company more than two centuries ago, in 1787.
What is the oldest active trademark?
SAMSON – officially the oldest trademark
Formally, the oldest is now a trademark depicting the biblical Samson fighting with the lion. This mark was registered in 1884 and, like its Czech and British predecessor – it is still in force!
What brand has the oldest unaltered logo in continuous use?
Twinings is Britain's oldest tea company and one of the world's most well-known tea brands. Founded in 1706 by Thomas Twining, the company created its iconic logo in 1787. This makes it the world's oldest logo that is still in continuous use.
Does Longines have the oldest trademark?
In 1889, Francillon patented a trademark comprising the name Longines and the now famous winged hourglass. Today, Longines is the oldest trademark or logo still in use in its original form registered with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
The Oldest Longines Watch
Is Timex older than Rolex?
Yes, Timex (founded as Waterbury Clock Company in 1854) is significantly older than Rolex (founded in 1905), with Timex having roots in 19th-century American clockmaking, long before Rolex even existed as a company, though Rolex became famous for its luxury watches much later.
Is Longines higher than Tag Heuer?
Neither Longines nor TAG Heuer is definitively "higher," as they occupy similar mid-luxury spaces but target different aesthetics, with TAG Heuer often seen as sportier and slightly pricier, while Longines offers classic elegance, though both have strong technical merits and history, with Longines sometimes having higher brand value and TAG Heuer excelling in modern tech like smartwatches. TAG Heuer often starts at a higher price point due to its motorsports focus and tech, while Longines provides more accessible luxury with deep historical innovation, making brand perception subjective.
What is stronger, TM or R?
Legal Protection: The ® symbol provides stronger legal protection than ™. It gives you the right to sue for trademark infringement if someone else tries to use your registered trademark without permission.
What was the world's first registered trademark?
Did you know that the world's oldest registered trademark is the iconic red triangle logo of Bass Pale Ale?
What is the oldest unchanged brand packaging?
Lyle's Golden Syrup holds the Guinness World Record for the world's oldest unchanged brand packaging, which is pretty amazing. The brand has maintained the same logo since 1888, when the image of a dead lion surrounded by a swarm of bees was first introduced.
What is the oldest company logo still in use?
Twinings Tea
The company started up in London in 1706, but created its iconic logo in 1787. It's the oldest logo in the world that's had fully unceasing use. Keep in mind, 1787 was 2 years before George Washington was sworn in as America's first president.
What would Jesus do trademark?
Recently, Tyler Perry won the right to trademark “What Would Jesus Do.” There are a couple of points I'd like to make about this story. First, some of the media coverage has suggested Tyler Perry can now stop Christians from wearing the popular WWJD bracelets. This is not true.
Why are companies going back to old logos?
“I think we are more nostalgic than in the past because we're all looking for something secure and comfortable. We are in a society now where things cost more money, it's more difficult to live and to make ends meet.
What is the oldest US trademark still in use?
Meet Samson: A Trademark with Staying Power
The honor of the oldest U.S. trademark still in continuous use belongs to a mark first registered in 1884. The trademark? A logo depicting the Biblical figure Samson wrestling a lion—a perfect symbol of strength and durability.
What is the oldest still existing brand?
Very generally speaking, the oldest company in the world is usually recognized as Kongo Gumi, the Japanese construction company that was founded in 578 AD.
Is Taylor Swift's name trademarked?
Yes, Taylor Swift has a massive trademark portfolio protecting her name, albums (like Midnights, 1989), iconic lyrics ("This Sick Beat," "The Old Taylor Can't Come to the Phone Right Now"), tour names, and even her cats (Meredith, Olivia, Benjamin) and fan terms ("Swifties," "Swiftmas") for various products and services. Her proactive strategy covers a wide range of merchandise and commercial uses to maintain brand control.
What is the most recognizable trademark in the world?
Most recognizable brands in the world
- Apple. Apple is the largest company in the world by market capitalization. ...
- Coca-Cola. Coca-Cola has been a symbol of refreshment for over a century and is one of the most recognizable non-tech brands in the world. ...
- Amazon. ...
- Google. ...
- McDonald's. ...
- Nike. ...
- Samsung. ...
- Visa.
Can you buy old trademarks?
If the mark has been abandoned for three to five years, odds are, you're in the clear. That's the span that the USPTO requires trademarks to be maintained, meaning if the proper paperwork hasn't been filed, it's potentially up for grabs. The risk comes from the Lanham Act.
What names cannot be trademarked?
Names that can't be trademarked are typically generic terms (like "Coffee" for coffee), merely descriptive terms (like "Best Tasting" for food) without proven consumer recognition, common surnames, geographically descriptive names, and marks that are deceptive, offensive, scandalous, or confusingly similar to existing marks, as well as official insignia or symbols. These are generally barred because they aren't unique enough to identify a single source or would hinder public use and fair competition.
Can I put TM on my logo without registering?
If you want to claim a mark as your own before it has been officially registered, you can use the trademark symbol if you sell goods, ™, or the service mark symbol if you sell services, SM. You can use these even if you have not filed an application to register your mark.
Can I trademark a name myself?
Unlike surnames, personal names (first names and first names used with last names) can act as trademarks without proof of secondary meaning because they are considered to be inherently distinctive.
What are the big 4 watch brands?
The "Big Four" watch brands often refer to Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Richard Mille, representing a blend of market dominance, prestige, and ultra-luxury, though sometimes Vacheron Constantin, Cartier, or A. Lange & Söhne are included in variations, highlighting the pinnacle of Swiss watchmaking and high horology.
Which is more luxury, Omega or TAG Heuer?
For many watch wearers, Omega is the first alternative to Rolex watches – a status that TAG Heuer cannot claim for itself. While TAG Heuer offers outstanding, sporty timepieces, Omega is a step above in terms of movement technology, manufacturing quality, and prestige.
What is the no. 1 expensive watch?
The world's most expensive watch is generally considered the Graff Diamonds Hallucination, valued at around $55 million due to its 110 carats of rare colored diamonds, though the record for the most expensive watch ever sold at auction belongs to the Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime Ref. 6300A-010, selling for $31 million in 2019, notes Wikipedia, IYC Yachts, and WWD.