Mitsubishi: Three Stories Behind Three Diamonds

The name Mitsubishi might bring cars to mind first, but it hides three distinct companies. The first is the Mitsubishi Group, a massive conglomerate spanning finance, nuclear technology, automobiles, and more, whose iconic three-diamond logo dates back to 1913. Second is Mitsubishi Pencil Co., founded in 1887, focused on writing instruments and also using the three-diamond logo, but unrelated to the Mitsubishi Group. Third is Konyusha, a Kumamoto-based company producing Mitsubishi cider, also using the three-diamond logo, founded in 1883. These three companies sharing a name and logo caused trademark confusion, necessitating the creation of the Mitsubishi Corporate Name and Trademark Committee for oversight.