86.924: This was the register number in the Trademark Directory, the start of an exciting story in the history of German industry. It is one of the most traditional brand names in the world, synonymous with light around the globe and first saw the light of day more than one hundred years ago. On April 17, 1906 the brand name of OSRAM was entered in the Trademark Directory of the Imperial Patent Office in Berlin.
 
Who would have thought in 1906 that one day OSRAM will produce with around 39.000 employees worldwide in about 46 production facilities in 17 countries sales of 4 billion euros (2009)? Who would have thought hundred years ago, that the electronic in light sources - not exclusively in light emitting diodes (LED) and other opto-semiconductor products - will play a bigger role in the lighting market?
 
What has happened since 1906 you can see in the OSRAM history overview.
 
The brand name of OSRAM was "born" in 1906 and registered by the Deutsche Gasglühlicht-Anstalt (also known as Auer-Gesellschaft). The world famous name from 1906 was created from the names of the two materials that were needed at the time to produce filaments - initially Osmium and later Wolfram (or tungsten as it is now more commonly known). 13 years later (on July 1, 1919) it became part of a company name: OSRAM Werke GmbH Kommanditgesell- schaft. At the time, Auer-Gesellschaft, AEG and Siemens & Halske AG combined their lamp production activities; since 1978 Siemens has been the sole shareholder.
 
In 1919, the world famous picture logo with the light bulb also made its first appearance. Today, the stylised lamp in our picture logo is a symbol not only for light but also for good ideas and our passion for intelligent light.

Today light is more than lighting - who would have thought 100 years ago for example,

• that light could protect us against diseases?
  Pure drinking water is and always will be one of our most precious commodities. With the Puritec UV system from OSRAM water can be disinfected without the use of chemicals.
• that intelligent light sources would be used in vehicles to enhance our safety?
  Whereas early cars had no more than two light sources, if at all, a modern car has around 250. Infra-red technology is used to control rain sensors, lane guidance systems and night vision aids.
• that a light source saves up to 80% of energy?
  1985 OSRAM integrates as the first manufacturer the electronic ballasts (ECG). Today OSRAM Dulux EL Longlife energy-saving lamps last ten years or more. And consume up to 80% less energy than ordinary light bulbs.