Unveiling the Costly Emblem of Symantec
Let’s be honest: your logo is the first thing people judge. It should say “we’ve got this” before you even speak.
That’s why some companies pour extraordinary resources into branding that does more than look good—it feels right.
So, what is the most expensive logo in the world?
While cost is one metric, a logo’s true value is tied to its influence.
In this post, we break down the story of Symantec—a company that didn’t just pay for a logo, it paid to elevate its entire brand identity.
Let’s explore how this cybersecurity giant came to own a $1.28 million symbol of trust, and why it still stands as one of the best “examples of the power of a logo”.
A Symbol That Commands Attention
The Symantec logo wasn’t always a checkmark.
Originally, it featured a circular shield—classic and reliable, but not particularly groundbreaking.
Then came a shift. Symantec acquired VeriSign, a major player in online security, and with it came a bold design decision: adopt VeriSign’s globally recognized checkmark.
The checkmark in Symantec’s current logo wasn’t created from scratch. It was acquired. The cost? An astonishing $1.28 million.
But here’s the thing—it wasn’t just about visuals. It was about meaning. The checkmark was already associated with trust, verification, and security online.
Why the Checkmark Was Worth $1.28 Million
Symantec didn’t just buy a graphic—they bought meaning.
When they acquired VeriSign, they gained more than a checkmark. They gained instant trust.
That mark already meant “secure,” “verified,” and “safe” to millions of users online. It carried brand equity that would’ve taken years to build from scratch.
By integrating the checkmark into their new logo, Symantec sent a bold message:
“You can trust us.”
In a space where customers can’t see the tech under the hood, branding is the product.
That $1.28 million wasn’t for design—it was for speed, credibility, and transformation.
Designed by Landor Associates
The creative execution came from Landor Associates, one of the most respected branding agencies in the world.
This wasn’t a lazy rebrand. Landor’s design fused research, vision, and product truth into one symbol of transformation.
Landor’s process included:
- Studying symbols of protection across cultures
- Analyzing design trends in cybersecurity and tech
- Using color psychology to communicate authority and safety
The result? A logo that doesn’t just look secure—it feels secure.
From Shield to Checkmark
The original Symantec logo featured a shield inside a circle, representing defense.
But the industry—and the company—was evolving.
They needed something cleaner, more modern, and with more built-in trust.
This wasn’t just a rebrand. It was a transformative rebranding process that aligned with their merger with Veritas Software and a new era of enterprise-level protection.
The checkmark communicates completion, verification, and reliability. That’s exactly what customers want to feel when they purchase security software.
The Merger That Fueled It
In 2005, Symantec acquired Veritas Software and needed to communicate its evolution as a larger, more complex company.
The updated logo became the first impression for that transformation.
The checkmark did double duty:
- It reassured legacy customers of Symantec’s reliability.
- It impressed enterprise clients looking for scale and sophistication.
A Worthwhile Investment
So, was the $1.28 million worth it?
Absolutely.
- The checkmark built instant trust.
- It gave the brand global recognition.
- It served as a visual shorthand for quality and security.
- It tied the brand’s promise directly to the customer experience.
These are things that can’t be captured in a spreadsheet—but they show up in loyalty, trust, and sales.
A Lasting Mark
Symantec’s logo has endured because it’s not trendy—it’s strategic.
It didn’t chase aesthetics. It embodied purpose.
That’s what separates great branding from decoration.
And that’s why it remains one of the best-known “examples of the power of a logo”.
It proves that a logo isn’t just what your brand looks like—it’s what people feel when they see it.
At The End Of The Day
A logo isn’t just a piece of artwork—it’s a tool.
A great one can accelerate trust, clarify your story, and reflect the scale of your business.
Symantec’s $1.28 million checkmark wasn’t a luxury. It was a strategy.
It’s what happens when branding, design, and business goals all align.
If your logo isn’t doing that yet—maybe it’s time to create one that does.
Let’s Build a Logo That Does More Than Look Good
MOCK, the agency partners directly with marketing directors and internal teams to create logos that don’t just look great—they work great.
Let’s build something bold, strategic, and smart.
- Website: https://mocktheagency.com/
- Phone: 470-225-6814
- Email: hello@mocktheagency.com
- Address: 247 14th St NW, Atlanta, GA 30318
Comments are closed.