30 Brand Logos We’re All Familiar With and the Little-Known Stories Behind Them

Contrary to popular belief, the BMW emblem, which resembles a blue and white checkerboard, wasn’t inspired by aircraft propellers. The New York Times debunked this misconception in 2010, revealing the design’s adoption a decade after BMW’s market debut.

Extensive research into the BMW logo by scholars like Dr. Triebel has led to a consensus. The emblem’s blue and white hues actually give a nod to Bavaria’s state colors, reflecting the company’s heritage and origin.