Pelikan's Slogans & Taglines

Pelikan Holding AG is a German manufacturer of writing, office, and art equipment founded in 1838 by Carl Hornemann in Hanover. Originally a color and ink factory, the company was taken over by Günther Wagner in 1871, who registered the pelican trademark in 1878. Pelikan entered the fountain pen market in 1929 with the Transparent Pelikan Fountain Pen, featuring a differential piston mechanism and transparent ink window. The 1931 Toledo series and watercolor paint boxes expanded its artistic portfolio, while the 1960 Pelikano became a classroom staple across Europe. After restructuring as Pelikan Holding AG in 1978, the company faced insolvency in 1982, was acquired by Condorpart, and later by Malaysian Goodace in 1996. In 2007, Pelikan International reunified the brand, acquiring Herlitz in 2009. Today, Pelikan operates facilities in Germany, Poland, Mexico, and Colombia, producing fountain pens, inks, school and office supplies, and art materials.

The brand's messaging evolved from the 1929 claim of the right nib for every hand, emphasizing technical versatility. By the late 20th century, the company adopted We make thinking visible, reflecting its broader mission across pens, paints, and stationery. More recently, Pelikan has embraced inspiring creativity and imagination, underscoring its focus on empowering self-expression through German craftsmanship and innovation.