Rolls-Royce has been named the United Kingdom's most iconic trade mark by the British public, as revealed by the Intellectual Property Office (IPO) on Wednesday. Founded in Manchester in the early 20th century, the luxury car manufacturer has become what one respondent described as "a worldwide metaphor for the best of the best." Another simply called it "the mark of quality."
Surprising Second Place
Perhaps unexpectedly, Radio Caroline, the pioneering radio station that began broadcasting from the North Sea in 1964, secured second place. It outranked Twinings and Cadbury, which took third and fourth positions respectively, while the BBC barely made it into the top ten. Though younger generations may be less familiar with the station, some respondents recalled listening to its very first broadcast and continuing to tune in today. "I passed my O-Levels listening to the station," one person remembered.
Celebrating 150 Years of Trade Marks
This year marks 150 years since the UK's first trade mark – brewery Bass & Co's red triangle label – was registered on New Year's Day in 1876. Today, over 2.5 million trade marks are protected, with approximately 200,000 new applications filed annually. To commemorate the occasion, the IPO invited the British public to nominate their favourite iconic trade marks. The top ten also includes Burberry, Transport for London (TfL), and Calpol.
Adam Williams, the IPO's chief executive, commented: "Trade marks are the foundation of brand trust. For 150 years, they've helped British businesses – from corner shops and market stalls to app stores and global online retailers – build lasting relationships with consumers and stand behind the quality of their products. This anniversary marks not just a legal milestone, but the enduring role that brands play in connecting businesses with the public. We're proud to be custodians of a system that has supported British enterprise and innovation for generations, and we're ready for the next 150 years."
Rolls-Royce Response
Julian Jenkins, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars' director of sales and brand, expressed delight at the recognition: "We're delighted that the British public have chosen Rolls-Royce as their favourite trade mark of all time. Our name has been synonymous with excellence for well over 100 years: the Silver Ghost was officially dubbed 'the best car in the world' in 1913, and we proudly retain that crown with the motor cars we hand-build at the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood today. For us as a team, it's highly gratifying that our world-class engineering, craftsmanship and creativity resonate far beyond those who actually own and drive our motor cars."
