Chapter 1
The birth of a shield
Chapter 2
The Japanese connection
Chapter 3
The ultimate irony
Chapter 4
The global counterfeit empire
Chapter 5
The high-tech defense
YOUR GOAL
Master of The art of the copycat and the world's most hunted logo
Ch 1 · The birth of a shield
louisvuitton Louis Vuitton Monogram
He drew a monogram to shield his father's name, Now it's the golden mark we copy just the same.
louisvuitton A colorful, contemporary infographic displays the iconic interlocking L and V monogram.
louisvuitton Polished golden light shines across the textured brown Louis Vuitton monogram canvas.
Fun Fact
Patent power: The interlocking Louis Vuitton monogram was actually patented as a utility design to prevent physical fraud, not just as a fashion logo.
Glossary
monogram (noun)
A design consisting of two or more alphabetic letters combined or interlaced to form a single symbol. Georges Vuitton created his famous monogram in 1896 to protect his family's signature trunks from counterfeiters.
A design consisting of two or more alphabetic letters combined or interlaced to form a single symbol. Georges Vuitton created his famous monogram in 1896 to protect his family's signature trunks from counterfeiters.
Quiz
In which country did Georges Vuitton first register the monogram trademark outside of France?
Quiz
What was the name of the waterproof gray canvas Louis Vuitton introduced in 1854?
Quiz
What did Louis Vuitton's father do for a living before Louis became a trunk maker?
Quiz
Why did early travelers prefer Louis Vuitton's trunks over traditional carriage trunks?
Quiz
What major transportation revolution in the 19th century made stackable luggage necessary?
Quiz
What pattern did Louis Vuitton introduce in 1888 to stop counterfeiters before the monogram?