Brand Recognition and Trademarks: A Comparison of Popular Global Brands and Their Trademarks
Trademarks help with brand recognition by creating a unique identifying source for a company's products or services. Even the world's most famous companies rely on trademarks to distinguish their products from their competitors.
When you see the Nike "swoosh" or the Coca-Cola "wave," you instantly know which company's products you're looking at. This blog post will examine Nike, Google, Apple, McDonald's, and Coca-Cola, comparing their trademarks and how successfully these simple logos communicate their brand reputation.
Apple
Apple's bitten apple symbol is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world and is synonymous with high-quality, futuristic technology. The brand was founded in 1976 by three innovators: Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne, and over time the brand has built a massive global brand and following based on the strength of its products and its innovative design.
Their products include the MacBook, iMac, Mac mini, iPhone, and iPad. Even without words, the bitten apple symbol is enough to communicate the Apple brand message to consumers. The brand reputation has even maintained an interesting spin as the debate over the blue or green bubbles has somehow managed to continue over the years.
Google is a world-renowned technology company that specializes in Internet-related services and products. Founded in 1998, in the midst of the dot-com boom, they are perhaps most famous for their search engine, which is the most used worldwide. They also offer other popular services such as Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, and even Google Classroom.
The company has a strong reputation for innovation and is constantly expanding into new areas. In addition, they have a very recognizable logo, a wordmark of the company's name in a unique font. Fortunately for Google, the name Google has become a household name, unfortunately, that popularity has also transitioned the brand name into verb status, which threatens their ability to enforce certain aspects of their trademark because it can be viewed as a generic distinction.
Coca-Cola
Founded in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1892, the Coca-Cola trademark is the world's most recognizable and iconic brand. People of all ages and cultures recognize the red and white logo, and the company has built a global empire on the strength of its brand for more than a century.
The Coca-Cola trademark is synonymous with youth, quality, refreshment, and fun, and the company has cleverly leveraged this equity to become one of the most valuable brands in the world.
Nike
A large part of Nike's success is due to its trademark logo (and Michael Jordan). The Nike swoosh is one of the most recognizable logos in the world and is synonymous with the Nike brand. With no words attached, the brand created by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight remains a global favorite for fitness and sports products.
Nike has built its brand recognition through its successful marketing campaigns and magical association with some of the world's best athletes like the king and queen, Lebron James and Serena Williams; the GOAT, Michael Jordan; and other notable athletes like Kobe Bryant and Naomi Osaka. In addition, Nike is a brand known for its quality products, sleek designs, and it’s “just do it” attitude.
McDonald’s
McDonald's is one of the world's most well-known and successful fast-food brands. The company's golden arches logo is one of the most recognized symbols on the planet. McDonald's has been in business for over 70 years and has built a massive global empire.
The company has over 36,000 restaurants in over 100 countries and consistently serves over 70 million customers daily. A fan favorite, the Happy Meal has provided joy to countless children over the years. They are a true success story and an iconic American brand, all represented with a simple logo people of all ages know and love.
How Are You Improving Your Brand Recognition?
When it comes to your brand, you know that eye-catching but simple logos work—just look at these global success stories! Trademarks are a great way to create a reputation of longevity for your company and formalize your place in your industry, sometimes without using words.
To get started with a trademark, it is essential that you contact a legal professional who can properly prepare your trademark application. Contact Nazareth Innovative Law today to learn more about how we can protect your intellectual property.