Philip Morris is one of the world’s leading tobacco manufacturers, with a rich history dating back to the 19th century. Best known for its iconic Marlboro brand, the company has grown to become a global leader in the production and distribution of cigarettes, operating in over 180 countries. Philip Morris is not just about cigarettes; the company is also at the forefront of developing smoke-free alternatives, contributing to the evolving tobacco industry.

What is Philip Morris?

Founded in 1847, Philip Morris is an American multinational corporation primarily known for manufacturing tobacco products. The company owns several major cigarette brands, including Marlboro, which remains one of the most recognizable and best-selling cigarette brands worldwide. Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, Philip Morris International (PMI) is dedicated to offering a wide range of smoking and smoke-free products to consumers in more than 150 countries. Over 150 million people around the globe use Philip Morris products, and the company continues to focus on innovation and health-conscious alternatives.

Philip Morris Logo History: Evolution of a Timeless Brand

The Philip Morris logo has undergone several transformations over the years, reflecting the company’s changing identity and growth. From a royal crest to a modern and minimalist design, the logo has always maintained an air of sophistication, reflecting the high-end nature of its products.

1885 – 1919: The Original Crest

The very first Philip Morris logo, created in 1885, featured a royal-type crest beneath the company's name in serif lettering. The design, monochrome in color, was arched and included enlarged initials. The crest itself resembled the emblem of the Knights Templar, symbolizing the company’s noble aspirations and dedication to quality.

1919 – 1954: Modernization with Elegance

In 1919, the Philip Morris logo was redesigned to reflect a more modern and refined aesthetic. The company’s name was placed in a straight line, with a bolder serif font and rounded shapes. The crest was rendered in a pale red and positioned above the new lettering, set against a light yellow background. This updated version introduced a cleaner, more elegant feel to the brand.

1954 – 1987: Gold and Red Emblem

By 1954, the Philip Morris logo had evolved into a more colorful and sophisticated design. The emblem was now gold and red, with white outlines, and the “Veni Vidi Vici” motto prominently displayed on a ribbon beneath the crest. The inscription was made more legible with the use of extra-bold white sans-serif letters, making it stand out clearly on products.

1987 – 2008: A Classic and Refined Look

In 1987, the company introduced a more refined and classic logo. The crest was outlined in black, and the lettering was placed beneath it in elegant serif typography. The “Veni Vidi Vici” motto was replaced with the words “Philip Morris International” in clean, modern sans-serif letters. This logo marked a more formal, sophisticated brand image, aligning with the company's status as a leader in the tobacco industry.

2008 – Today: A Shift Towards Discreet Elegance

The most recent Philip Morris logo, introduced in 2008, represents a shift toward a more modern and discreet identity. The color palette was lightened, with blue outlines and white filling. The only non-white color used was a dark blue ellipse containing the script letters "PM." This minimalist design reflects the company’s focus on innovation, as well as its desire to present a more contemporary and refined brand image.

Font and Color

The Philip Morris logo has consistently featured elegant and clean typography. In the current design, the use of a simple sans-serif font in the “PM” initials within the dark blue ellipse helps emphasize the brand’s sleek and professional image. The light blue and white color palette gives the logo a modern and sophisticated look, fitting with the company’s global status and commitment to innovation.