His Master's Voice: Difference between revisions

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{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| logo = File:His Master's Voice.jpg
| logo = File:His Master's Voice.jpg
| logo_caption = ''His Master's Voice'' (1899) by [[Francis Barraud]]
| logo_caption = ''His Master's Voice'' (1898) by [[Francis Barraud]], amended in 1899 to display a [[gramophone]].
| owner = {{Plain list|
| owner = {{Plain list|
* '''[[Hilco Capital|Mermaid (Brands) Limited]]''' (United Kingdom, Australia, Brunei, European Union, Iceland, Israel, Kenya, Namibia, Norway, Switzerland, Sudan and New Zealand)
* '''[[RCA (trademark)|Talisman Brands, Inc.]]''' (United States, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Cuba, Indonesia, South Korea, Uruguay and Vietnam)
* '''[[RCA (trademark)|Talisman Brands, Inc.]]''' (United States, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Cuba, Indonesia, South Korea, Uruguay and Vietnam)
* '''[[JD Sports Fashion plc]]''' (United Kingdom, Australia, Brunei, European Union, Iceland, Israel, Kenya, Namibia, Norway, Switzerland, Sudan and New Zealand)
* '''[[JVCKenwood Corporation]]''' (Japan)
* '''[[JVCKenwood Corporation]]''' (Japan)
* '''HMV Brand Pte Ltd.''' (Singapore, China, Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand)
* '''HMV Brand Pte. Ltd.''' (Singapore, China, Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand)
* '''Palm Green Capital Limited''' (British Virgin Islands, Albania, Bahrain, Estonia, India, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Oman, Serbia, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Ukraine)
* '''Palm Green Capital Limited''' (British Virgin Islands, Albania, Bahrain, Estonia, India, Jordan, Kyrgyzstan, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Oman, Serbia, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Ukraine)
}}
}}
}}
}}
'''His Master's Voice''' is an entertainment [[trademark]] featuring a dog named [[Nipper]], [[Body language of dogs#Tilted head|curiously peering]] into the horn of a wind-up [[Phonograph|gramophone]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Francis Barraud & Nipper |url=https://www.londonremembers.com/memorials/francis-barraud-nipper |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=London Remembers |language=en}}</ref> Painted by [[Francis Barraud]] in 1898, the trademark has appeared on consumer electronics, record labels, and entertainment retail outlets worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harrison |first=Kieran |date=2017-10-19 |title=His Master's Voice |url=https://medium.com/fgd1-the-archive/his-masters-voice-7b6f6010b8c4 |access-date=2025-01-07 |website=FGD1 The Archive |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=audiopolitan |date=2013-06-21 |title=His Master's Voice |url=https://www.audiopolitan.com/blog/his-masters-voice-still-echoes-in-modern-times/ |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=audiopolitan |language=en-US}}</ref>[[File:His Master's Voice EG 962.jpg|thumb|187x187px|The His Master's Voice trademark has appeared on many record labels, such as this 1928 [[Smilin' Jack Smith]] release from [[The Gramophone Company]] in the United Kingdom.]]
'''His Master's Voice''' is an entertainment [[trademark]] featuring a dog named [[Nipper]], [[Body language of dogs#Tilted head|curiously peering]] into the horn of a wind-up [[Phonograph|gramophone]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Francis Barraud & Nipper |url=https://www.londonremembers.com/memorials/francis-barraud-nipper |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=London Remembers |language=en}}</ref> Painted by [[Francis Barraud]] in 1898, the image has since become a symbol used internationally across consumer electronics, record labels, and entertainment retail.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Harrison |first=Kieran |date=2017-10-19 |title=His Master's Voice |url=https://medium.com/fgd1-the-archive/his-masters-voice-7b6f6010b8c4 |access-date=2025-01-07 |website=FGD1 The Archive |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=audiopolitan |date=2013-06-21 |title=His Master's Voice |url=https://www.audiopolitan.com/blog/his-masters-voice-still-echoes-in-modern-times/ |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=audiopolitan |language=en-US}}</ref>
 
The original His Master's Voice painting, alongside a number of duplicates painted by Barraud, are owned by the [[EMI Archive Trust]] charity that is based in [[Hayes, Hillingdon|Hayes, London]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=O'Brien |first=Richard |date=2019-09-06 |title=Secrets of the EMI Archive - 3 |url=https://www.emiarchivetrust.org/secrets-of-the-emi-archive-3/ |access-date=2025-06-03 |website=EMI Archive Trust |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Research |url=https://www.emiarchivetrust.org/research/ |access-date=2025-06-03 |website=EMI Archive Trust |language=en-US}}</ref>[[File:His Master's Voice EG 962.jpg|thumb|187x187px|The His Master's Voice trademark has appeared on many record labels, such as this 1928 [[Smilin' Jack Smith]] release from [[The Gramophone Company]] in the United Kingdom.]]


== History ==
== History ==


=== [[The Gramophone Company]] / [[EMI Records]] / [[HMV]] (United Kingdom-based) ===
=== [[The Gramophone Company]] / [[EMI]] / [[HMV]] (United Kingdom–based) ===
In early 1899, Francis Barraud applied for copyright of his original 1898 painting using the descriptive working title ''Dog looking at and listening to a Phonograph''. He was unable to sell the work to any cylinder phonograph company.{{Citation needed|date=November 2024}} The painting had been originally offered to James Hough, manager of [[Edison Bell]] in London, but he declined, saying "dogs don't listen to phonographs".{{Citation needed|date=November 2024}}  
{{Further|HMV|His Master's Voice (British record label)}}In early 1899, Francis Barraud applied for copyright of his original 1898 painting using the descriptive working title ''Dog looking at and listening to a Phonograph''. He was unable to sell the work to any cylinder phonograph company.<ref>{{Cite web |last=audiopolitan |date=2013-06-21 |title=His Master's Voice |url=https://www.audiopolitan.com/blog/his-masters-voice-still-echoes-in-modern-times/ |access-date=2025-06-03 |website=audiopolitan |language=en-US}}</ref> The painting had been originally offered to James Hough, manager of [[Edison Bell]] in London, but he declined, saying "dogs don't listen to phonographs".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kelly |first=Kate |date=2013-07-15 |title=The RCA Dog, An American Icon |url=https://americacomesalive.com/the-rca-dog-an-american-icon/ |access-date=2025-06-03 |website=America Comes Alive |language=en-US}}</ref>


William Barry Owen, the American founder of the Gramophone Company in England, offered to purchase the painting for £100, under the condition that Barraud modify the [[cylinder phonograph]] to show one of their disc machines.<ref name="New Grove">{{cite book |last1=Rye |first1=Howard |title=The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz |date=2002 |publisher=Grove's Dictionaries Inc. |isbn=1-56159-284-6 |editor1-last=Kernfeld |editor1-first=Barry |edition=2nd |volume=2 |location=New York |page=249}}</ref> Barraud complied and the image was first used on the company's catalogue from December 1899. The company also began using the imagery on its [[Gramophone|gramophones]]. As the trademark gained in popularity, several additional paintings were subsequently commissioned from the Barraud for various corporate purposes.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Nipper Saga |url=https://www.designboom.com/history/nipper.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924073551/http://www.designboom.com/history/nipper.html |archive-date=24 September 2015 |access-date=27 May 2006}}</ref>
William Barry Owen, the American founder of the Gramophone Company in England, offered to purchase the painting for £100, under the condition that Barraud modify the [[cylinder phonograph]] to show one of their disc machines.<ref name="New Grove">{{cite book |last1=Rye |first1=Howard |title=The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz |date=2002 |publisher=Grove's Dictionaries Inc. |isbn=1-56159-284-6 |editor1-last=Kernfeld |editor1-first=Barry |edition=2nd |volume=2 |location=New York |page=249}}</ref> Barraud complied and the image was first used on the company's catalogue from December 1899. The company also began using the imagery on its [[Gramophone|gramophones]]. As the trademark gained in popularity, several additional paintings were subsequently commissioned from Barraud for various corporate purposes.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Nipper Saga |url=https://www.designboom.com/history/nipper.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924073551/http://www.designboom.com/history/nipper.html |archive-date=24 September 2015 |access-date=27 May 2006}}</ref>


In 1909, The Gramophone Company began using the dog and gramophone trademark on its record labels, replacing the former "recording Angel" trademark. The company rapidly became known as [[His Master's Voice (British record label)|His Master's Voice]] due to the prominence of that phrase around the top perimeter of the label. The Gramophone Company (HMV) distributed its recordings throughout Europe and later established dedicated international divisions in several countries. In regions without these divisions, such as [[Scandinavia]] and [[Greece]], the British HMV company exported its releases.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-19 |title=His Masters Voice - Catalogue of Records - 1933 by 78rpm Club |url=https://issuu.com/78rpm.club/docs/his_masters_voice_-_catalog_1933 |access-date=2025-03-29 |website=Issuu |language=en}}</ref>
In 1909, The Gramophone Company began using the dog and gramophone trademark on its record labels, replacing the former "recording Angel" trademark. The company rapidly became known as [[His Master's Voice (British record label)|His Master's Voice]] due to the prominence of that phrase around the top perimeter of the label. The Gramophone Company (HMV) distributed its recordings throughout Europe and later established dedicated international divisions in several countries. In regions without these divisions, such as [[Scandinavia]] and [[Greece]], the British HMV company exported its releases.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-19 |title=His Masters Voice - Catalogue of Records - 1933 by 78rpm Club |url=https://issuu.com/78rpm.club/docs/his_masters_voice_-_catalog_1933 |access-date=2025-03-29 |website=Issuu |language=en}}</ref>
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In 1925 and 1926, The Gramophone Company created record label divisions in [[EMI Music Australia|Australia]] and [[Universal Music New Zealand|New Zealand]] respectively. Through sales and mergers, the Gramophone Company became part of [[EMI]] in 1931.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Page 13 Record Labels :Howard Friedman MusicWeb-International |url=https://www.musicweb-international.com/friedman/page13.htm |access-date=2025-03-13 |website=www.musicweb-international.com}}</ref>
In 1925 and 1926, The Gramophone Company created record label divisions in [[EMI Music Australia|Australia]] and [[Universal Music New Zealand|New Zealand]] respectively. Through sales and mergers, the Gramophone Company became part of [[EMI]] in 1931.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Page 13 Record Labels :Howard Friedman MusicWeb-International |url=https://www.musicweb-international.com/friedman/page13.htm |access-date=2025-03-13 |website=www.musicweb-international.com}}</ref>


[[Deutsche Grammophon Gesellschaft]], the Gramophone Company's German subsidiary, also used the "His Master's Voice" trademark and continued to do so after the company seceded from the parent Gramophone Company in 1914, as a result of the hostilities between Germany and Great Britain during [[World War I]]. DGG retained the "His Master's Voice" trademark for use in Germany until 1949.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Deutsche Grammophon |url=https://www.deutschegrammophon.com/en/company/history |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=Deutsche Grammophon |language=en}}</ref>
[[Deutsche Grammophon Gesellschaft]], was the Gramophone Company's German subsidiary until seceding from the parent company in 1914, as a result of the hostilities between Germany and Great Britain during [[World War I|the First World War]]. DGG retained the "His Master's Voice" trademark for use in Germany until 1949. The trademark was then adopted by [[Electrola]], the Gramophone Company's German affiliate formed in 1925, to replace the renegade DGG.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Deutsche Grammophon |url=https://www.deutschegrammophon.com/en/company/history |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=Deutsche Grammophon |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=DG History: The Fifth Decade (1940–1949) |url=http://history.deutschegrammophon.com/en_GB/1940-1949 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030081117/http://history.deutschegrammophon.com/en_GB/1940-1949 |archive-date=2016-10-30 |access-date=2016-10-29}}</ref>
 
In 1949, Deutsche Grammophon sold the German rights to the His Master's Voice trademark to [[Electrola]], EMI's affiliated record label in Germany.<ref>{{cite web |title=DG History: The Fifth Decade (1940–1949) |url=http://history.deutschegrammophon.com/en_GB/1940-1949 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030081117/http://history.deutschegrammophon.com/en_GB/1940-1949 |archive-date=2016-10-30 |access-date=2016-10-29}}</ref>
 
In the mid-1980s, EMI began to open international HMV retail outlets, but were unable to use the "His Master's Voice" trademark in the United States, Canada or Japan. However, EMI's use of just the "HMV" initials in these regions was permitted.


In 1985, The Gramophone Company India (formed in 1901) was sold from EMI to [[RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group]], however "His Master's Voice" would continue to appear as a record label under a license agreement from EMI, until 2003.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saregama India Limited {{!}} Businesses |url=https://www.rpsg.in/business/saregama |access-date=2025-03-29 |website=www.rpsg.in}}</ref>
From the mid-1980s, EMI began to open international HMV retail outlets, but were unable to use the "His Master's Voice" trademark in the United States, Canada or Japan. However, EMI's use of just the "HMV" initials in these regions was permitted.


In 1990, EMI began to phase out the His Master's Voice record label, gradually replacing it with the [[EMI Classics]] label in 1993. In 1998, it divested the HMV retailer, which became an independent company, HMV Media Group plc.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Brooks2013-01-15T11:27:00 |first=David |title=HMV timeline: Charting the company's history |url=https://www.retail-week.com/hmv-timeline-charting-the-companys-history/5044865.article |access-date=2025-03-13 |website=Retail Week |language=en}}</ref> However, EMI held onto the His Master's Voice intellectual property, licensing the name to the retailer, and continuing it for its only remaining license in India.
In 1985, EMI sold the Gramophone Company's  branch in India (formed in 1901)  to [[RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group]]; however the "His Master's Voice" trademark would continue to be used in India under license from EMI, until 2003.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Saregama India Limited {{!}} Businesses |url=https://www.rpsg.in/business/saregama |access-date=2025-03-29 |website=www.rpsg.in}}</ref>


In June 2003, the formal His Master's Voice trademark transfer took place from EMI Records to HMV Media Group plc.<ref>{{cite web |title=Trade Mark Details as at 28 February 2013: HMV Group plc |url=http://www.patent.gov.uk/tm/t-find/t-find-number?detailsrequested=H&trademark=1170322 |access-date=28 February 2013 |publisher=Patent.gov.uk}}</ref> This meant that EMI's only remaining license agreement, the His Master's Voice record label in India, would be discontinued, and record releases in this region would be renamed to Saregama from 2003 onwards.
In 1990, EMI began to phase out the His Master's Voice record label, gradually replacing it with the [[EMI Classics]] label in 1993. In 1998, it divested the HMV retailer, which became an independent company, HMV Media Group plc.<ref>{{cite web |last=Brooks |first=David |date=2013-01-15 |title=HMV timeline: Charting the company's history |url=https://www.retail-week.com/hmv-timeline-charting-the-companys-history/5044865.article |access-date=2025-03-13 |website=Retail Week |language=en}}</ref> However, EMI held onto the "His Master's Voice" trademark, licensing the name to the retailer, and continuing it for its only remaining license in India.


In January 2013, HMV Group plc would later be rescued by [[Hilco Capital]], who retained the "His Master's Voice" trademark rights in a number of continents under the name Mermaid (Brands Limited) when they later sold the HMV stores to [[Sunrise Records]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Butler |first=Sarah |date=2013-01-28 |title=HMV next for Hilco – restructuring expert that preys on dying brands |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/jan/28/hmv-hilco-restructuring-expert-downturn |access-date=2025-01-02 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> The rightsholders in some territories is Palm Green Capital Limited, a company based in [[British Virgin Islands]], instead of Hilco Capital.<ref>{{Cite web |title=WIPO Domain Name Decision: D2015-0761 |url=https://www.wipo.int/amc/en/domains/decisions/text/2015/d2015-0761.html |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=www.wipo.int}}</ref>
In June 2003, the formal "His Master's Voice" trademark transfer took place from EMI Records to HMV Media Group plc.<ref>{{cite web |title=Trade Mark Details as at 28 February 2013: HMV Group plc |url=http://www.patent.gov.uk/tm/t-find/t-find-number?detailsrequested=H&trademark=1170322 |access-date=28 February 2013 |publisher=Patent.gov.uk}}</ref> This meant that EMI's only remaining license agreement, the His Master's Voice record label in India, would be discontinued, and record releases in this region would be renamed to Saregama from 2003 onwards.


In February 2013, HMV Group plc sold the HMV stores in Hong Kong and Singapore to AID Partners Capital Limited, which also included the rights to "His Master's Voice" for a select number of Asian countries, currently owned by HMV Brand Pte Ltd.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AID Partners acquires HMV |url=https://www.theasset.com/article/23755/aid-partners-acquires-hmv |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=www.theasset.com |language=en}}</ref>
In January 2013, HMV Group plc would later be rescued by [[Hilco Capital]], who retained the "His Master's Voice" trademark rights in a number of continents under the name "Mermaid (Brands) Limited" when they sold the HMV stores to [[Sunrise Records]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Butler |first=Sarah |date=2013-01-28 |title=HMV next for Hilco – restructuring expert that preys on dying brands |url=https://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/jan/28/hmv-hilco-restructuring-expert-downturn |access-date=2025-01-02 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> The rightsholders in some territories is Palm Green Capital Limited, a company based in [[British Virgin Islands]], instead of Hilco Capital.<ref>{{Cite web |title=WIPO Domain Name Decision: D2015-0761 |url=https://www.wipo.int/amc/en/domains/decisions/text/2015/d2015-0761.html |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=www.wipo.int}}</ref>


In May 2025, Hilco Capital / Mermaid (Brands) Limited sold the "His Master's Voice" intellectual property to [[JD Sports]] Fashion plc.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Fashion Plc |first=JD Sports |title=UK00000325592 |url=https://trademarks.ipo.gov.uk/ipo-tmcase/page/Results/1/UK00000325592 |url-status=live |access-date=22 May 2025 |website=Intellectual Property Office}}</ref>[[File:HMV, 13-15 Smithford Way, Coventry.jpg|thumb|Following EMI's retirement of the British His Master's Voice record label in 1993, the trademark then became best known in the United Kingdom as the logo for the [[HMV]] entertainment retailer.]]
In February 2013, HMV Group plc sold the HMV stores in Hong Kong and Singapore to AID Partners Capital Limited, which also included the rights to "His Master's Voice" and "HMV" for a select number of Asian countries, currently owned by HMV Brand Pte. Ltd.<ref>{{Cite web |title=AID Partners acquires HMV |url=https://www.theasset.com/article/23755/aid-partners-acquires-hmv |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=www.theasset.com |language=en}}</ref>[[File:HMV, 13-15 Smithford Way, Coventry.jpg|thumb|Following EMI's retirement of the British His Master's Voice record label in 1993, the trademark then became best known in the United Kingdom as the logo for the [[HMV]] entertainment retailer.]]
[[File:VictorTalkingLogo.jpg|thumb|The [[Victor Talking Machine Company]] in the United States used the His Master's Voice trademark from 1901 onwards. The above example is an advertisement from 1921.]]
[[File:VictorTalkingLogo.jpg|thumb|The [[Victor Talking Machine Company]] in the United States used the His Master's Voice trademark from 1901 onwards. The above example is an advertisement from 1921.]]


=== [[Victor Talking Machine Company]] / [[RCA Victor]] (United States-based) ===
=== [[Victor Talking Machine Company]] / [[RCA Victor]] (United States–based) ===
In July 1900, [[Emile Berliner]], the inventor of the gramophone, registered the trademark in the United States after seeing the original painting at The Gramophone Company's offices in England.<ref>{{Cite web |title=His Masters' Voice » JaneDogs |url=https://janedogs.com/his-masters-voice/ |access-date=2025-03-15 |website=janedogs.com}}</ref>
In July 1900, [[Emile Berliner]], the inventor of the gramophone, registered the trademark in the United States after seeing the original painting at The Gramophone Company's offices in England.<ref>{{Cite web |title=His Masters' Voice » JaneDogs |url=https://janedogs.com/his-masters-voice/ |access-date=2025-03-15 |website=janedogs.com}}</ref>


The "His Master's Voice" trademark first appeared in the United States in advertising by the Consolidated Talking Machine Company, which was reorganized in 1901 as the [[Victor Talking Machine Company]] in [[Camden, New Jersey]]. Victor was the American affiliate of British Gramophone Company and initially used the trademark more extensively on its products and in advertising than its affiliate in England.
The "His Master's Voice" trademark first appeared in the United States in advertising by the Consolidated Talking Machine Company, which was reorganized in 1901 as the [[Victor Talking Machine Company]] in [[Camden, New Jersey]]. Victor was the American affiliate of British Gramophone Company and initially used the trademark more extensively on its products and in advertising than its affiliate in England.


In 1929, the [[Radio Corporation of America]] (RCA) purchased the Victor Talking Machine Company, renaming it the [[RCA Victor]] Division and expanding the use of the trademark on radios, television sets and other electronics.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Meador |first=Granger |date=2023-12-05 |title=Remembering His Master's Voice |url=https://meador.org/2023/12/05/remembering-his-masters-voice/ |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=MEADOR.ORG |language=en}}</ref> However, it would begin to eventually be gradually phased out from the 1950s onwards on consumer electronics, in exchange for the RCA logo instead.
In 1929, the [[Radio Corporation of America]] (RCA) purchased the Victor Talking Machine Company, which became the [[RCA Victor]] Division and expanded the use of the trademark on radios, television sets and other electronics and accessories.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Meador |first=Granger |date=2023-12-05 |title=Remembering His Master's Voice |url=https://meador.org/2023/12/05/remembering-his-masters-voice/ |access-date=2025-01-02 |website=MEADOR.ORG |language=en}}</ref> Beginning in the 1950s, RCA would gradually phase out the trademark's use on consumer electronics, in lieu of the RCA "lightning bolt" logo.


In 1968, RCA introduced a modern logo and limited the appearance of the "His Master's Voice" trademark to the album covers of [[RCA Red Seal Records]]. In October 1976, RCA announced a revival of the "His Master's Voice" trademark, restoring it to most RCA records labels, advertising and other products.
In 1968, RCA introduced a modern logo and limited the appearance of the "His Master's Voice" trademark to the album covers of [[RCA Red Seal Records]]. In October 1976, RCA announced a revival of the "His Master's Voice" trademark, restoring it to most RCA records labels, advertising and other RCA products in the [[Western Hemisphere]].


In 1986, the RCA Corporation was acquired by [[General Electric]], and eventually sold the RCA and "His Master's Voice" trademarks to [[Technicolor SA]]. RCA Records was acquired by German media conglomerate, [[Bertelsmann]], which continued to use the "His Master's Voice" and RCA Victor trademarks under license. In May 2022, the RCA and "His Master's Voice" trademarks were acquired by Talisman Brands, Inc.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Vantiva |date=2022-05-31 |title=Technicolor: Closing of the Sale of Trademark Licensing operations |url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2022/05/31/2453618/0/en/Technicolor-Closing-of-the-Sale-of-Trademark-Licensing-operations.html |access-date=2025-03-15 |website=GlobeNewswire News Room |language=en}}</ref>
In 1986, the RCA Corporation was acquired by [[General Electric]], which eventually sold the RCA and "His Master's Voice" trademarks to [[Technicolor SA]]. RCA Records was acquired by German media conglomerate [[Bertelsmann]], which continued use of the "His Master's Voice" and RCA Victor trademarks in the Western Hemisphere under license. In 2008, RCA Records was fully acquired by [[Sony Music Entertainment]] and continues with a perpetual license for use of the RCA and "His Master's Voice" trademarks. In May 2022, the RCA and "His Master's Voice" trademarks were acquired by Talisman Brands Inc.<ref>{{Cite press release |last=Vantiva |date=2022-05-31 |title=Technicolor: Closing of the Sale of Trademark Licensing operations |url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2022/05/31/2453618/0/en/Technicolor-Closing-of-the-Sale-of-Trademark-Licensing-operations.html |access-date=2025-03-15 |website=GlobeNewswire News Room |language=en}}</ref>


Since 2023, Talisman Brands has licensed the "His Master's Voice" brand to a company called Victor Musical Industries Inc, who produce "His Master's Voice"-branded consumer electronics.<ref>{{Cite web |title=HMV® |url=https://www.hismastersvoice.com |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=HMV® |language=en-US}}</ref>
Since 2023, Talisman Brands has also licensed the "His Master's Voice" brand to a company called Victor Musical Industries Inc, which produces "His Master's Voice"-branded consumer electronics.<ref>{{Cite web |title=HMV® |url=https://www.hismastersvoice.com |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=HMV® |language=en-US}}</ref>


==== [[JVC]] / [[Victor Entertainment]] / [[JVCKenwood]] (Japan-based) ====
==== [[JVC]] / [[Victor Entertainment]] / [[JVCKenwood]] (Japan-based) ====
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In 1927, the [[Victor Company of Japan|Victor Talking Machine Company of Japan]] was created, which brought the "His Master's Voice" trademark to Japan, and later became known as JVC, the Japan Victor Company. The company used "His Master's Voice" across a wide range of consumer electronics.<ref>{{Cite web |title=JVC Professional History |url=http://pro.jvc.com/prof/aboutus/history.jsp |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=pro.jvc.com}}</ref>
In 1927, the [[Victor Company of Japan|Victor Talking Machine Company of Japan]] was created, which brought the "His Master's Voice" trademark to Japan, and later became known as JVC, the Japan Victor Company. The company used "His Master's Voice" across a wide range of consumer electronics.<ref>{{Cite web |title=JVC Professional History |url=http://pro.jvc.com/prof/aboutus/history.jsp |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=pro.jvc.com}}</ref>


In 1943, JVC seceded from RCA due to the hostilities between Japan and the United States during [[World War II]]. The Japanese division became an independent company, retaining the "His Master's Voice" trademark for use in Japan.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Victor Company of Japan, Limited |url=https://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/victor-company-of-japan-limited-history/ |access-date=2025-03-13 |website=FundingUniverse |language=en}}</ref>
In 1943, JVC seceded from RCA Victor due to the hostilities between Japan and the United States during [[World War II]]. The Japanese division became an independent company, retaining the Victor name and "His Master's Voice" trademarks for use in Japan.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History of Victor Company of Japan, Limited |url=https://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/victor-company-of-japan-limited-history/ |access-date=2025-03-13 |website=FundingUniverse |language=en}}</ref>


In 1972, JVC created [[Victor Musical Industries]], a distributor of music and film, which uses the "His Master's Voice" logo.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Meador |first=Granger |date=2023-12-05 |title=Remembering His Master’s Voice |url=https://meador.org/2023/12/05/remembering-his-masters-voice/ |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=MEADOR.ORG |language=en}}</ref> Victor Musical Industries has since been renamed to Victor Entertainment, and the "His Master's Voice" logo remains retained.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ビクターエンタテインメント {{!}} Victor Entertainment |url=https://www.jvcmusic.co.jp/pc/ |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=ビクターエンタテインメント {{!}} Victor Entertainment |language=ja}}</ref>
In 1972, JVC created [[Victor Musical Industries]], a distributor of music and film, which uses the "His Master's Voice" logo.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Meador |first=Granger |date=2023-12-05 |title=Remembering His Master's Voice |url=https://meador.org/2023/12/05/remembering-his-masters-voice/ |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=MEADOR.ORG |language=en}}</ref> Victor Musical Industries has since been renamed Victor Entertainment, and the "His Master's Voice" logo remains retained.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ビクターエンタテインメント {{!}} Victor Entertainment |url=https://www.jvcmusic.co.jp/pc/ |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=ビクターエンタテインメント {{!}} Victor Entertainment |language=ja}}</ref>


In 1990, [[EMI]] launched the [[HMV]] retailer in Japan, however they were unable to use the Nipper/"His Master's Voice" trademark due to JVC controlling it's use in that country. However, they were not contested to use just the initials, "HMV".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-07-31 |title=HMV sells Japan business for £70m |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/149584/HMV-sells-Japan-business-for-70m |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=Tehran Times |language=en}}</ref>
In 1990, [[EMI]] launched the [[HMV]] retailer in Japan. However, it was unable to use the Nipper/"His Master's Voice" trademark due to JVC controlling its use in that country. However, they were not contested to use just the initials "HMV".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-07-31 |title=HMV sells Japan business for £70m |url=https://www.tehrantimes.com/news/149584/HMV-sells-Japan-business-for-70m |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=Tehran Times |language=en}}</ref>


In October 2008, JVC and the [[Kenwood Corporation]] created a joint-venture, [[JVCKenwood]], to create consumer electronics, this venture uses the "His Master's Voice" logo, mainly on audio equipment.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Our Brands |url=https://www.jvckenwood.com/en/corporate/brand/ |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=JVCKENWOOD Corporation |language=en}}</ref>
In October 2008, JVC and the [[Kenwood Corporation]] created a joint-venture, [[JVCKenwood]], to create consumer electronics. This venture uses the "His Master's Voice" logo, mainly on audio equipment.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Our Brands |url=https://www.jvckenwood.com/en/corporate/brand/ |access-date=2025-03-16 |website=JVCKENWOOD Corporation |language=en}}</ref>


== References ==
== References ==
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[[Category:1890s quotations]]
[[Category:1890s quotations]]
[[Category:Quotations from music]]
[[Category:Quotations from music]]
[[Category:Dogs in art]]
[[Category:Paintings of dogs]]
[[Category:1899 paintings]]
[[Category:1898 paintings]]

Latest revision as of 21:49, 14 November 2025

Template:Short description Script error: No such module "about". Template:Use dmy dates Template:Use British English Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherTemplate:Main otherScript error: No such module "Check for clobbered parameters".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". His Master's Voice is an entertainment trademark featuring a dog named Nipper, curiously peering into the horn of a wind-up gramophone.[1] Painted by Francis Barraud in 1898, the image has since become a symbol used internationally across consumer electronics, record labels, and entertainment retail.[2][3]

The original His Master's Voice painting, alongside a number of duplicates painted by Barraud, are owned by the EMI Archive Trust charity that is based in Hayes, London.[4][5]

File:His Master's Voice EG 962.jpg
The His Master's Voice trademark has appeared on many record labels, such as this 1928 Smilin' Jack Smith release from The Gramophone Company in the United Kingdom.

History

The Gramophone Company / EMI / HMV (United Kingdom–based)

Script error: No such module "labelled list hatnote".In early 1899, Francis Barraud applied for copyright of his original 1898 painting using the descriptive working title Dog looking at and listening to a Phonograph. He was unable to sell the work to any cylinder phonograph company.[6] The painting had been originally offered to James Hough, manager of Edison Bell in London, but he declined, saying "dogs don't listen to phonographs".[7]

William Barry Owen, the American founder of the Gramophone Company in England, offered to purchase the painting for £100, under the condition that Barraud modify the cylinder phonograph to show one of their disc machines.[8] Barraud complied and the image was first used on the company's catalogue from December 1899. The company also began using the imagery on its gramophones. As the trademark gained in popularity, several additional paintings were subsequently commissioned from Barraud for various corporate purposes.[9]

In 1909, The Gramophone Company began using the dog and gramophone trademark on its record labels, replacing the former "recording Angel" trademark. The company rapidly became known as His Master's Voice due to the prominence of that phrase around the top perimeter of the label. The Gramophone Company (HMV) distributed its recordings throughout Europe and later established dedicated international divisions in several countries. In regions without these divisions, such as Scandinavia and Greece, the British HMV company exported its releases.[10]

The Gramophone Company created French and Italian versions called La Voix de son maître and La voce del padrone respectively after previously forming in these countries in 1901 and 1904.[11][12][13]

In 1921, The Gramophone Company launched the His Master's Voice retail shop on Oxford Street. Additional shops appeared, turning His Master's Voice into a large music retail chain.[14]

In 1925 and 1926, The Gramophone Company created record label divisions in Australia and New Zealand respectively. Through sales and mergers, the Gramophone Company became part of EMI in 1931.[15]

Deutsche Grammophon Gesellschaft, was the Gramophone Company's German subsidiary until seceding from the parent company in 1914, as a result of the hostilities between Germany and Great Britain during the First World War. DGG retained the "His Master's Voice" trademark for use in Germany until 1949. The trademark was then adopted by Electrola, the Gramophone Company's German affiliate formed in 1925, to replace the renegade DGG.[16][17]

From the mid-1980s, EMI began to open international HMV retail outlets, but were unable to use the "His Master's Voice" trademark in the United States, Canada or Japan. However, EMI's use of just the "HMV" initials in these regions was permitted.

In 1985, EMI sold the Gramophone Company's branch in India (formed in 1901) to RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group; however the "His Master's Voice" trademark would continue to be used in India under license from EMI, until 2003.[18]

In 1990, EMI began to phase out the His Master's Voice record label, gradually replacing it with the EMI Classics label in 1993. In 1998, it divested the HMV retailer, which became an independent company, HMV Media Group plc.[19] However, EMI held onto the "His Master's Voice" trademark, licensing the name to the retailer, and continuing it for its only remaining license in India.

In June 2003, the formal "His Master's Voice" trademark transfer took place from EMI Records to HMV Media Group plc.[20] This meant that EMI's only remaining license agreement, the His Master's Voice record label in India, would be discontinued, and record releases in this region would be renamed to Saregama from 2003 onwards.

In January 2013, HMV Group plc would later be rescued by Hilco Capital, who retained the "His Master's Voice" trademark rights in a number of continents under the name "Mermaid (Brands) Limited" when they sold the HMV stores to Sunrise Records.[21] The rightsholders in some territories is Palm Green Capital Limited, a company based in British Virgin Islands, instead of Hilco Capital.[22]

In February 2013, HMV Group plc sold the HMV stores in Hong Kong and Singapore to AID Partners Capital Limited, which also included the rights to "His Master's Voice" and "HMV" for a select number of Asian countries, currently owned by HMV Brand Pte. Ltd.[23]

File:HMV, 13-15 Smithford Way, Coventry.jpg
Following EMI's retirement of the British His Master's Voice record label in 1993, the trademark then became best known in the United Kingdom as the logo for the HMV entertainment retailer.
File:VictorTalkingLogo.jpg
The Victor Talking Machine Company in the United States used the His Master's Voice trademark from 1901 onwards. The above example is an advertisement from 1921.

Victor Talking Machine Company / RCA Victor (United States–based)

In July 1900, Emile Berliner, the inventor of the gramophone, registered the trademark in the United States after seeing the original painting at The Gramophone Company's offices in England.[24]

The "His Master's Voice" trademark first appeared in the United States in advertising by the Consolidated Talking Machine Company, which was reorganized in 1901 as the Victor Talking Machine Company in Camden, New Jersey. Victor was the American affiliate of British Gramophone Company and initially used the trademark more extensively on its products and in advertising than its affiliate in England.

In 1929, the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) purchased the Victor Talking Machine Company, which became the RCA Victor Division and expanded the use of the trademark on radios, television sets and other electronics and accessories.[25] Beginning in the 1950s, RCA would gradually phase out the trademark's use on consumer electronics, in lieu of the RCA "lightning bolt" logo.

In 1968, RCA introduced a modern logo and limited the appearance of the "His Master's Voice" trademark to the album covers of RCA Red Seal Records. In October 1976, RCA announced a revival of the "His Master's Voice" trademark, restoring it to most RCA records labels, advertising and other RCA products in the Western Hemisphere.

In 1986, the RCA Corporation was acquired by General Electric, which eventually sold the RCA and "His Master's Voice" trademarks to Technicolor SA. RCA Records was acquired by German media conglomerate Bertelsmann, which continued use of the "His Master's Voice" and RCA Victor trademarks in the Western Hemisphere under license. In 2008, RCA Records was fully acquired by Sony Music Entertainment and continues with a perpetual license for use of the RCA and "His Master's Voice" trademarks. In May 2022, the RCA and "His Master's Voice" trademarks were acquired by Talisman Brands Inc.[26]

Since 2023, Talisman Brands has also licensed the "His Master's Voice" brand to a company called Victor Musical Industries Inc, which produces "His Master's Voice"-branded consumer electronics.[27]

JVC / Victor Entertainment / JVCKenwood (Japan-based)

File:Shinbashi Victor Bldg. (2007.09.11).jpg
The "His Master's Voice" trademark appears on the JVC-Victor offices in Shinbashi, Japan. Pictured in September 2007

In 1927, the Victor Talking Machine Company of Japan was created, which brought the "His Master's Voice" trademark to Japan, and later became known as JVC, the Japan Victor Company. The company used "His Master's Voice" across a wide range of consumer electronics.[28]

In 1943, JVC seceded from RCA Victor due to the hostilities between Japan and the United States during World War II. The Japanese division became an independent company, retaining the Victor name and "His Master's Voice" trademarks for use in Japan.[29]

In 1972, JVC created Victor Musical Industries, a distributor of music and film, which uses the "His Master's Voice" logo.[30] Victor Musical Industries has since been renamed Victor Entertainment, and the "His Master's Voice" logo remains retained.[31]

In 1990, EMI launched the HMV retailer in Japan. However, it was unable to use the Nipper/"His Master's Voice" trademark due to JVC controlling its use in that country. However, they were not contested to use just the initials "HMV".[32]

In October 2008, JVC and the Kenwood Corporation created a joint-venture, JVCKenwood, to create consumer electronics. This venture uses the "His Master's Voice" logo, mainly on audio equipment.[33]

References

Template:Reflist

Further reading

  • Barnum, Fred (1991). His Master's Voice in America.
  • Southall, Brian (1996). The Story of the World's Leading Music Retailer: HMV 75, 1921–1996.

External links

Template:Sister project

Template:Authority control

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