When did brands/company names start to become a status symbol and why?

by Guarono

This question came to me after reading a few threads on how we can track the ages through fashion.

chocolatepot

It depends exactly what you mean by "brands/company names". Do you include the name of a tailor/goldsmith/clockmaker/other craftsman under "company name"? Or do you mean specifically the concept of a brand apart from the maker?