Which company owns the trademark for the three-pointed star logo?

Mercedes-Benz owns the trademark associated with the famous three-pointed star logo.

The emblem originated with Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft, the German company that later became part of Mercedes-Benz. Gottlieb Daimler’s sons suggested adapting a star symbol connected with their father. In June 1909, DMG registered both three-pointed and four-pointed stars as trademarks, but the three-pointed version became the lasting identity of the automobile brand.

The three points traditionally represented Daimler’s ambition to power vehicles on land, water, and in the air. The star initially appeared without the familiar surrounding ring. After the 1926 merger of DMG and Benz & Cie., the new Daimler-Benz company combined the star with the laurel wreath associated with Benz, producing the recognizable Mercedes-Benz badge.

A common mix-up is confusing the emblem’s historical owner with the names of competing German automakers. Audi’s four rings, BMW’s roundel, and Volkswagen’s interlocking initials are separate trademarks. Today, Mercedes-Benz AG handles the passenger-car and van business, while the wider Mercedes-Benz Group owns the brand structure.