Who owns the crocodile?

by | Sep 24, 2019 | ARTICLE, Logo truths

Lacoste and Crocodile International became locked into battle in New Zealand when they both wanted to use the crocodile to identify their brand. Their crocodiles look fairly similar but Lacoste’s looks to the right, perhaps into the future, whereas Crocodile International’s version gazes to the left, often identified as the direction of the past. But Lacoste’s case was weakened through the inconsistent use of their legally registered logo. And they lost, this time.

The meaning of crocodile encourages us to take care of our spirit. When our spirit is unhealthy, our mind and body also suffer. I wonder how each of these brands care for their totem animal?

The energy of water, the crocodile’s domain, represents our emotions. This court case went on for decades, Lacoste lost but perhaps not forever.

Crocodiles are reputed to give us the gift of second sight, bringing clarification into our lives when we call on them. Shamans would liaise with and befriend their power animals, negotiating with them for success. In this way they would be warned of impending disasters. In our power hungry Western world, however, we simply rush into a one sided relationship to earn a profit for our shareholders. Maybe the crocs got fed up.

The Egyptian crocodile god, Sobek, symbolized ultimate power, fertility and protection. What wonderful powers for a brand, true to the source of its identity, to engage for a sustainable future. Maybe they should have tried harder.