Luxury Lancashire brand Rolls Royce which works with BAE Systems named UK's most iconic trademark

A luxury Lancashire brand which works with one of the county's biggest employers has been named the UK's most iconic trade mark.

Rolls-Royce tops the list of famous names to celebrate the 150th anniversary of trade mark registration. A poll of Britons by the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO) revealed the luxury car company, which also produces aerospace engines and components for BAE at Warton, is the nation's number one trade mark.

One respondent said: 'An iconic British brand name which over time has become a worldwide metaphor for the best of the best." Another described Rolls-Royce as "the mark of quality".

Julian Jenkins, Rolls-Royce's director of sales and brand, said: "We're delighted the British public has chosen Rolls-Royce as their favourite trade mark of all time. Our name has been synonymous with excellence for well over 100 years.

“We enjoy the rare privilege of a trade mark that transcends not only our own company, but our entire industry, with Rolls-Royce a global shorthand for the best of the best in any field."

Matthew Hill, the company's head of intellectual property, added: "Rolls-Royce has been at the forefront of advanced engineering and high value manufacturing for over a century. We are extremely proud to play our part in the UK's trademark story and look forward to continuing to lead the way in the future."

The public's top 10 iconic British trade marks were:

1 Rolls-Royce

2 Radio Caroline

3 Twinings

4 Cadbury

5 Bass

6 Burberry

7 Transport for London roundel

8 Calpol

9 Mini

10 BBC

Foundation of trust

Bass beers was the first trade mark, first registered in 1876. IPO chief executive, Adam Williams, said: "Trade marks are the foundation of brand trust. For 150 years, they have helped British businesses - from corner shops and market stalls to app stores and global online retailers - build lasting relationships with consumers and stand behind the quality of their products.

"This anniversary marks the enduring role that brands play in connecting businesses with the public."

When the Trade Marks Registration Act came into force in 1875 trade marks were limited to physical goods. Now they cover services as well as physical products.

Rolls-Royce is one of the world's largest defence contractors - worth more than £52bn - as well as producing their world famous luxury cars. One of the firm's major centres is on Skipton Road, Barnoldswick, which is known as the birthplace of the jet engine.

It employs hundreds of people and produces jet engine components for many companies including nearby British Aerospace in Warton.