Logos originated in Ancient Greece.  They were used on ancient Greek and Roman coins. In addition, even as secret coded messages. Generally, these logos would have the initials representing the rulers and their dynasties.  Some of the earliest forms of logos were actual signatures on handcrafted items since the economy at that time revolved around handcrafted products.

18th Century was the Industrial Revolution age. With new technology, there was a rise in mass production. Most of the population was illiterate, so the logo allowed people to identify products easily. The very first logo (L) that was registered in 1876 was by Bass Brewery and is known as trademark no 1. Apparently, the owner of the company sent his man a night before to stand in the line so that his logo would get the first registration.

The 19th century was a vibrant era for the birth of many of the prominent logos. Businesses have crossed borders across high seas. During this time, the company SHELL originally had this (L) as their logo based on the very first business. The owner sold shell covered boxes to tourists. Although they expanded to other merchandise he retained this simple drawing of the sea shell for his company.

In our current times, logos have taken new meaning: our free enterprise society has made logos and trademarks seemly more prominent than national flags. In any Metro city, where ever we travel, we are bombarded unknowingly with tens of thousands of these signs and symbols. Logos have indeed played a major role in our buying patterns. Brands have become synonymous to status.