Do Companies have Crests?

Have you ever noticed that there are lots of companies that appear to use either crests or coats of arms? If you look carefully, you’ll notice that lots of them do! Businesses may use crests for a variety of reasons. Here are some possible reasons:

1. Brand identity: A crest can serve as a powerful visual symbol for a business, helping to establish a unique and recognisable brand identity. Plus, for any company, using a crest may give the business a sense of tradition and history, which can help to build trust with customers. And it suggests longevity and trustworthiness.
2. Heritage: If a company has a long family history, then using a family crest can be a way to honour and celebrate that heritage. This can be especially relevant for businesses that specialise in traditional or handmade products.
3. Differentiation: In a crowded marketplace, businesses may use a crest to stand out from competitors and create a sense of exclusivity. This can be especially relevant for luxury or high-end products. In fact, this can be one of the main reasons for companies having a crest.
4. Storytelling: A crest can be used as a storytelling tool, helping to communicate the values, history, and mission of a business. This can be especially relevant for businesses that have a strong sense of mission or purpose.
5. Personalisation: By using a family crest, businesses can create a more personal connection with their customers. This can help to build loyalty and repeat business.

Are crests controversial when companies use them for logos?

It’s worth noting that the use of  crests by businesses is not without controversy. Some people argue that the use of a family crest by a business that is not owned or operated by the family is inappropriate or even misleading. Others argue that family crests are an important part of our cultural heritage and should be protected and preserved. Ultimately, the decision to use a crest in a business context is up to the individual business owner. Plus, it may depend on a variety of factors including the history and traditions of the family, the nature of the business, and the preferences of customers.

Is a business crest the same as a Royal Warrant?

These are most definitely NOT the same thing! To read more on the topic, read our blog here. In brief, and according to Royalwarrant.org a Royal Warrant “is a document that permits a company to use the Royal Arms in connection with its business in an appointed trading capacity. It is granted for up to five years at a time as a mark of recognition for the supply of goods or services to the Royal Household.”

Which companies have crests?

The Harley Davidson logo is based on heraldic traditions.

Many companies have a crest or coat of arms as part of their branding or logo. Alternatively, they use heraldic traditions to shape their designs such as opting for a coat of arms shape.

Here are a few examples:

1. Starbucks – The Starbucks logo features a siren with a crown, or crest, on her head.
2. Ferrari – The Ferrari logo features a prancing horse with a yellow shield, or crest, in the background.
3. Nike – The Nike logo features a swoosh, or checkmark, which can be interpreted as a stylized crest.
4. Harley-Davidson – The Harley-Davidson logo features a shield with a bar and shield design, which could be considered a crest.
5. Ralph Lauren – The Ralph Lauren logo features a polo player on horseback, surrounded by a crest.
6. Yale University – Yale University has a crest which includes a shield with the university’s motto, “Lux et Veritas,” which means “Light and Truth.”

The Starbucks brand uses a heraldic crown device as part of its logo.

These are just a few examples, but there are many other companies, organisations, and institutions that use crests as part of their branding or logo design.

Do you work for a company that has a crest? We’d love to hear!