Rotary's early emblem was a simple wagon wheel (in motion
with dust). It was designed in 1905 by Montague M. Bear, a
member of the Rotary Club of Chicago who was an engraver. He
designed the emblem to represent both civilization and movement.
Most of the early Rotary clubs adopted the wheel in one form or
another.
In 1922, the organization decided to create and preserve an
emblem for the exclusive use of all Rotarians, and the following
year, the present emblem, a gearwheel with 24 cogs and six
spokes, was adopted. A keyway was added to signify the
usefulness of the gearwheel.
An official description of the emblem was adopted at the 1929
International Convention. Royal blue and gold were
chosen as the official Rotary colors and the flag of
Rotary was designated as a white field with the emblem
emblazoned in its center. The emblem, worn as a lapel pin, now
identifies Rotarians around the world.
The Rotary emblem is a trademark owned by Rotary
International and is protected throughout the world by the
international association. The word "Rotary" and the Rotary
emblem are trademarks registered in over 50 countries. This
number increases on an annual basis.
Clubs, districts and Rotary entities are welcome to use the
Rotary emblem subject to the guidelines for the use of the
Rotary Marks as set forth by RI's Board of Directors. These
guidelines govern the use of the Rotary Marks on all
merchandise, promotional materials and publications, including
domain names and web sites.
