Which McDonald's logo feature was removed from most corporate branding in the 2003 redesign?

The McDonald's wordmark was removed from most corporate branding in the company's 2003 redesign, which emphasized the Golden Arches as a standalone symbol.

For decades, McDonald's commonly displayed the arches together with the company name. As the symbol became more widely recognized, the company could use the arches alone in many applications, including advertising, packaging, signage, and digital materials.

The redesign did not erase the McDonald's name from every communication. The wordmark continued to appear where legal identification, store information, or local communication required it. The change instead reflected a shift toward a simpler, more globally adaptable visual identity.

This history is distinct from the creation of the arches themselves. The architectural arches emerged in the 1950s, the arched-M logo was developed in 1962, and later redesigns adjusted how much supporting text accompanied the symbol. The 2003 change therefore concerned brand presentation, not the invention of the Golden Arches.