Louis de Freycinet decorated his maps with Australian flora and fauna from which evolved the cartouche, a garland of flowers incorporating Hermès, Patron Saint of Sailors. These symbols are incorporated into Voyager Estate’s logo and trademarks today.

Roses
Because of the close association with South Africa, where white roses are a traditional accompaniment with Cape Dutch architecture, the rose logo was devised in 1999 and is now the predominant feature on our wine labels. All four logos can be used to represent Voyager Estate.

A logo or trademark is an instantly recognisable word, words or symbol used to identify its ownership or origin. Logos acknowledge the existence of a business, company, association or institution, while trademarks represent the ownership or originality of a piece of merchandise and the reputation of its manufacturer.

Devised during the Pre-Christian era, original trademarks were wax seals applied to documents, the image of the seal being the sign of authenticity. The first political users of symbols were probably the tribes of Israel who devised a series of symbols identifying their political status. At a time when illiteracy was worldwide, the use of such symbols was the only method of recognising political institutions and ownership of property. Pottery and stoneware in Roman times made extensive use of symbols and provide probably the earliest recorded use of a trademark.

Both the aristocracy and the military soon embellished the concept in the form of heralds. Heraldry really became established during the Middle Ages with the English leading the world in their application and sophistication. Their rapid growth resulted in very sophisticated works of art signifying an organisation or person's status in the community. Trademarks and logos are derivatives of these traditions. The craft guilds of the Middle Ages made extensive use of symbols for both trade and political reasons. The six Dutch trading cities of Amsterdam, Hoorn, Delft, Rotterdam, Middleberg and Enhuizen, the resources of which formed the VOC, each had their own distinctive Coat of Arms.

Trademarks and logos must not be confused with either copyright or patent.

The registration of a logo or trademark provides protection from an authorized use of that particular symbol by others. The first known legal challenge, based on common law establishing their validity, was in Great Britain in 1742. The merchandise Marks Act of 1862 in Great Britain gave added protection, with registration etc becoming mandatory in 1872.