The Most outrageous Logo Design Rebranding Examples in Indian Corporate History

The Most Outrageous Logo Design Rebranding Examples in Indian Corporate History

Rebranding is a common practice for companies looking to shift their brand image or embrace new market trends. However, not all rebranding attempts are successful, and some may even backfire. This is especially true for Indian corporations, many of whom have experienced their fair share of logo design rebranding misadventures. In this article, we'll delve into some of the most outrageous logo design rebranding examples in Indian corporate history.

1. Air India – A Painted Maharaja

In 1948, Air India unveiled a majestic logo that symbolized ancient Indian heritage. This regal Maharaja, crafted in gold and maroon, would become an iconic representation of Indian aviation worldwide. However, in what many might view as a branding blunder, Air India decided to remove the Maharaja fully by 2014.

This drastic change could have been better prepared for, as customers and fans were taken aback by the sudden removal of the beloved logo. Luckily, under new ownership in 2018, Air India reinstated the Maharaja, albeit with a subtle redesign.

2. Pepsi – Back to Blue

Pepsi, one of the world's most recognizable beverage brands, experimented with a logo refresh in 2008. The company swapped its red color for a blue theme, seemingly attempting to dovetail with the Coca-Cola brand. Industry experts speculated that this rebrand might have caused Pepsi to lose its unique identity, leading to a generic look and potentially affecting brand equity.

3. Jaquar Group – In the Limelight

The Jaquar Group is a renowned Indian manufacturer of bathroom and kitchen products. In 2018, the company decided to rebrand by including the 'J'AQUAR' tagline in its new logo. Rather than adopting a modern and agile logo, the design appeared to be photocopied from a primary school project. The decision garnered considerable criticism from design enthusiasts and marketing professionals alike.

4. Vivo – From V to VIVO

5. ZIVAME – Embodied Vulnerability

Zivame, a prominent Indian women's innerwear brand, launched a fresh logo redesign titled "ZIVAME – Designed for The Brave". The logo featured a bold font paired with a skeletal hand and a pair of underwear. Aiming to mirror the bold and daring spirit of their target audience, Zivame drew praise for its innovative and attention-grabbing graphic identity.

6. ITC’s Aashirvaad – Curated Culture

ITC's Aashirvaad introduced a heritage-inspired logo that included eight hands holding a plate of food. The design aimed to represent "gathering and sharing food traditions passed down through generations," highlighting the brand's commitment to Indian culture. This rebrand was a successful attempt to connect with the nation's collective consciousness and reinforce the brand's cultural heritage.

7. CSR for MRF – Lost Identity

MRF, one of India's leading tyre manufacturers, recently unveiled a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative logo. The endeavour, known as 'Rainman', is aimed at educating citizens on monsoon preparedness. Unfortunately, the logo bore a striking resemblance to MRF's racing tyre logo, potentially leading to identification confusion between the CSR and the parent company's graphic identities.

8. Pharmexcil – Increasing Visibility

Pharmexcil, a promotional body underneath the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, India, decided to introduce a new logo. The transparent letters within the globe symbolize emp'

9. SBI – A Banking Benchmark

The State Bank of India (SBI) underwent a logo redesign in 2015. The newly introduced logo targeted a more contemporary appeal by replacing the old(';

10. ITC Filmfare Awards – Picture-Perfect

ITC Filmfare Awards unveiled a refreshing logo redesign in 2016 that marked a clean break from the past. The introduction of the swirling path leading up to the Filmfare Awards logo successfully captured the essence of cinema, while the gold-infused hue dazzled audiences. However, not everyone was convinced by the high stylization, as some users found the design's crescent to closely resemble the Rythu Bharosa Kendrala logo used by the Andhra Pradesh Government.

Rebranding Do's and Don’ts

The examples above indicate that rebranding needs to be handled with extreme care and sensitivity. Companies must evaluate their marketing position, consumer choices, and market expectations before making any drastic logo changes. It's wise to approach logo redesign with a clear understanding of what makes your brand unique, focussing on key strengths and the values that resonate with your target audience. Understanding your historical significance, similar to Air India, can also strengthen your rebrand and makeover attempts.

Conclusion

Building a meaningful brand-consumer relationship through innovative logo design is a challenging task. In the corporate world, Indian companies have witnessed their fair share of successes and failures. Tales of the most outrageous logo rebranding examples in Indian corporate history serve as a valuable lesson in the importance of brand trust and sensitivity to consumer sentiments. Remember, in the end, innovation and tradition must align harmoniously.

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