The Kobo logo conveys knowledge, modernity, and accessibility, emphasizing the company’s goal of providing convenient digital literature access. The design focuses on minimalism and technology, promoting the availability of reading anytime and anywhere. The company aims to be a reliable partner for book lovers, offering a wide selection of literature and convenient devices for comfortable reading.
Kobo: Brand overview
In the spring of 2010, Toronto was home to an innovative new company called Kobo Inc. created by visionary Michael Serbinis. The intriguing name “Kobo” derives from a Japanese term symbolizing “reading”.
The company quickly attracted attention with an investment from Borders Group, which spurred the release of the first electronic reading device, the Kobo Reader, later that year. Along with the device, the company proudly unveiled its extensive digital bookstore with a collection of over 2.2 million titles.
2011 was a pivotal year for Kobo when it entered the tablet market with the introduction of the Kobo Vox. Further diversifying its offerings, Kobo joined digital book review portal Shelfari, expanding the social reading experience. However, this year has not been without its challenges. Following the financial collapse of Borders, Kobo became a standalone company.
The company took another turn in 2012 when it teamed up with Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten in a deal worth $315 million. This partnership allowed Kobo to expand into new international markets at an unprecedented rate.
In today’s dynamic e-reader market, Kobo has an undeniable place. Collaborations with retail giants such as Walmart in the US and other well-known players around the world have strengthened its influence. Not resting on its laurels, Kobo continues to create innovative e-readers for different audiences.
Meaning and History
What is Kobo?
Founded in 2010, Kobo, a Canadian company, aims to improve the reading experience by offering innovative and convenient e-readers that allow readers to enjoy their favorite books in a new way and personalize their reading experience. Through its inventive and intuitive approach, Kobo successfully allows readers to see their favorite books in a new light. Designed to enhance reading enjoyment, Kobo e-readers are packed with features that improve the overall reading experience.
2010 – today
2015 – today
The Kobo logo, representing an online store specializing in audiobooks, e-books, and e-readers, demonstrates a deep connection to literature and technology. The first thing that stands out is the anagram, which spells “book.” This establishes a clear association with the brand’s primary focus—books, which is fitting for such a platform.
The font is characterized by its neatness and precision. All the letters are lowercase and have an elongated vertical form, giving the logo a refined and visually appealing appearance. All the letters, except for the “k,” have rounded edges, creating a sense of unity and completeness in the design. However, the “k” stands out with its straight lines, adding a touch of dynamism and contrast to the overall look.
The primary color of the font is black, emphasizing the seriousness and reliability of the brand, akin to an old, trusted book you can always return to. To the left of the name is a red circle with a white letter “R” inside—the symbol of the parent company, Rakuten. This element functions as a seal of quality, signaling to the user that the brand is reliable and backed by a well-known company.
The red circle with the “R” is seen as a sign of trust, as red symbolizes energy, passion, and attention. The vertically elongated letters resemble a figure reaching out to explore something new and intriguing—this is associated with the thirst for knowledge or the desire to dive into an engaging story. The bold black letters convey a sense of stability as if they symbolize a solid foundation that can be relied upon.