Abstract Symbol

These are images that have a representative connotation; they do not usually directly imply or refer to a particular business or company. Only when people are exposed to an abstract symbol as depicting a particular company do they get familiarized and exposed to that phenomenon. Nike’s swoosh would be a perfect example – no one could relate the two till Nike actually brought out the swoosh as its logo. Usually, companies or businesses that are abstract in nature or have a name that has an abstract meaning have an abstract symbol to denote the aforementioned abstraction.

Alpha-Glyph

Akin to a glyph, an alpha-glyph uses letters or at least a single letter from the name of the company to represent it. For example, automobile majors Honda and Hyundai. Note worthily, anagrams and monograms would be examples of glyphs.

Alphanumeric

Such a logo would be one that has the name of the company itself as the logo. There are distinct ways in which the name is written, using specific type fonts, coloring, spacing, etc. that together give it a distinct identity to the extent that it is able to identify itself as a logo, and can thus be trademarked as such. Sony or Microsoft would be perfect examples. They are also called typographic symbols or even wordmarks.

Anagram

While this literally refers to the letters of a word which presented backwards still spell the word, it can also have the implication of the transition of one word into another by the transposition of letters. Other instances include the letters of a word read out of order. Tainted Indian IT company, Satyam and its real estate arm, Maytas, would be excellent examples of this phenomenon.

Brandmark

This is usually a straightforward yet robust symbol, often abstract, that becomes representative of a company’s business and the service that it offers.

Combination Mark

Also referred to as iconic logotypes or even as descriptive symbols, they coalesce brandmark symbols with wordmarks.

Descriptive Symbol

A mark that has a representative relation with the products or services of a company. This is most effective when it depicts the character of a company rather than the products or services it sells. Can also be referred to combination marks or iconic logotypes.

Glyph

Glyphs could be any graphic representation of a company, be it a picture, pictograph, an icon or even a symbol. They are usually not the primary communication device and are more on the lines of being signs or instructional devices.

Icon

A wordless mark that is representative of a company by association.

Iconic Logotype

Also referred to as combination marks or descriptive symbols, these are usually the result of a combination of brandmark symbols and wordmarks.

Lettermarks

Like wordmarks, these are typographic symbols that might have initials or abbreviations as a major part of them. Anagrams and monograms would be examples of lettermarks. It is also referred to as an alpha-glyph.

Lockup

This is the final form that a logo takes, with all its elements locked in their respective positions, which is what gives it its name.

Logo

Shortform for logotype, a logo is nothing but a graphical, pictorial or typographical representative of the identity of a company.

Logotype

It is a powerful typographical symbol that visually represents a company, forming the basis of its corporate identity. This is actually the complete form of the commonly used word, “logo”, i.e. the signature or mark of a company. This is what gives a company instant recall and recognition. Components of a logotype would include logos, symbols, glyphs, etc.

Mark

It is a corporate logotype that replaces a signature with a sign.

Monogram

It is a typographic symbol, formed of one or more letters, usually the initials of a name, without any form per se.

Pictograph

It is a symbol that conveys a message, sans words. For example, the ‘No Smoking’ sign which usually has a cross or strike over a lit cigarette.

RGB

The three primary colors, Red, Green and Blue.

Signature

A distinctive form that implies identity, for instance a corporate logo.

Seal

It is a typographical symbol which is typically a word, group of words or initials.

Symbol

It is a mark without any accompanying words that goes on to depict a company eventually. The Nike swoosh is an excellent example.

Tradedress

These are colors that match the brand attributes of a company. After being applied to the lockup of the brandmark and typography, these colors go on to eventually define the trade dress of the logo.

Trademark

It is a corporate mark that is registered and protected by law.

Typographic Symbol

This is a symbol usually consisting of words only. The letters are typically given a certain treatment in order for it to stand out and to have an identity of its own. Eventually, this itself becomes the symbol of the company. It is often referred to as an alphanumeric or typographic symbol.