Ralph Lauren Polo and South African Polo are two different brands owned by two different companies and they are not affiliated with each other. The Ralph Lauren brand is an international brand by an American designer and the South African Polo brand is locally owned by L.A Group LTD.
Polo History
The Ralph Lauren’s logo is a world-famous trademark with a mounted polo player and horse but the mark has been registered in South Africa by L.A Group LTD which defeated an attempt by Ralph Lauren to reclaim the mark in the 1970’s under the old law which recognised only geographical rights.
The Ralph Lauren emblem faces towards the buttons of your shirt and the South African emblem face away.
“Ralph Lauren has always stood for providing quality products, creating worlds and inviting people to take part in our dream. We were the innovators of lifestyle advertisements that tell a story and the first to create stores that encourage customers to participate in that lifestyle”
Ralph Lauren acquires South African luxury brand ‘Polo’
25 November 2025 – The purchase of the South African Polo brand by Ralph Lauren brings an end to a long period in which two different Polo labels existed side by side. One brand grew internationally under Ralph Lauren, while the South African version built its own market and loyal customer base at home. With ownership now joined under Ralph Lauren, the Polo name can move forward as a single brand in South Africa. From now on, all Polo products sold in South Africa will fall under the American Ralph Lauren brand.
News source: www.ewn.co.za & businesstech.co.za
