Rolls-Royce tops UK’s most iconic trade marks poll
Rolls-Royce has been named the UK’s most iconic trade mark in a recent poll conducted by the UK Intellectual Property Office (UK IPO).
The poll, published to celebrate the 150th anniversary of UK trade marks, asked the public to identify brands that have shaped their lives, highlighting the household names and national treasures embedded in everyday culture.
The public's top 10 iconic British trade marks are:
- Rolls-Royce
- Radio Caroline
- Twinings
- Cadbury
- Bass Brewery
- Burberry
- Transport for London roundel
- Calpol
- Mini
- BBC
British luxury car manufacturer, Rolls-Royce is said to have been the creation of an unlikely partnership – one forged from a shared passion for engineering and a desire to create the “Best Car in the World”.
Its top ranking reflects more than a century of British engineering and craftsmanship, with poll respondents describing it as “an iconic British brand name which over time has become a worldwide metaphor for the best of the best” and “the mark of quality”.
Coming in at a close second place was the pioneering Radio Caroline, a station that began broadcasting from the North Sea in 1964. Many respondents recalled listening in their younger years and credited it with shaping modern radio and youth culture.
Twinings and Cadbury also featured in the top 10 and were linked to trust, heritage and shared experiences. Twinings predates the register itself by over 150 years, while Cadbury is known as a British staple and a source of comfort through life’s highs and lows.
150 years of trade marks
The UK's trade mark registry celebrated this historic milestone on 1st January 2026, exactly 150 years after brewers Bass & Co filed the very first UK trade mark on New Year's Day 1876. Today, more than 2.5 million trade marks are protected in the UK, representing generations of British innovation, creativity and commerce.
The poll offered an opportunity to reflect on how trade marks have shaped our cultural landscape and commercial history. From household brands that have stood the test of time to contemporary marks that define modern Britain, trade marks serve as powerful symbols of quality, trust and identity.
More than 400 marks registered before 1900 remain active, including Bovril, Kodak and Lyle's Golden Syrup.
Adam Williams, Chief Executive of the IPO, said: “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.”
"That's still why businesses come to us today. The tens of thousands who register a trade mark each year are making a statement: we've built something good, and we're putting our name to it. Whether they're selling a favourite ale, an iconic motor vehicle or a blockbuster online game, our job is to help them protect it. 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."
Kelly Saliger, Immediate Past-President at CITMA, said: “Iconic brands and registered trade marks undoubtedly go hand in hand. It's been 150 years since the famous Bass red triangle label was registered in the UK, and since that time registrations have been filed for everything from artisan bread to craft gin and luxury cars. Brand recognition is a powerful asset, and a registered trade mark protects it — acting as a marker in the sand that warns other businesses to steer clear, and giving the owner the means to take action against those who come too close.
“With the number of trade mark applications breaking all records, it's clear that UK trade marks are going from strength to strength, and that the UK will continue to be a hotspot for innovation, business and brand.”
Read more about the poll results on the UK IPO's website here.