In 1876, Britain rolled out its first trademark law—and Bass Brewery wasn’t about to miss the moment. To snag the very first trademark, they sent someone to camp outside the registration office overnight. Their prize? A bold red triangle slapped on bottles of pale ale. By 1877, Bass Brewery was pouring out success—producing a staggering one million barrels a year and claiming the title of the world’s largest brewery.

That simple shape became Trademark No. 1 in the world. It was so iconic, it even showed up in Édouard Manet’s famous painting A Bar at the Folies-Bergère. 

Not bad for a beer label.