The sign on Volkswagen represents a trademark. A trademark is a symbol, design, or word used by a company to distinguish its products or services from those of other companies. In the case of Volkswagen, the sign (which is often referred to as the VW logo) is a distinctive design consisting of a circle with the letters V and W inside. This design has become closely associated with the Volkswagen brand and is used on all of the company's products and marketing materials. By using this trademark, Volkswagen is able to establish a unique identity and build brand recognition among consumers. It also allows consumers to easily identify Volkswagen products and distinguish them from those of other car manufacturers.