Which ancient Mesopotamian innovation served as an early form of brand identity, used by merchants to mark their goods and authenticate transactions?

Before modern logos and brand identities, ancient civilizations had their own methods of marking ownership and authenticating goods. Mesopotamian cylinder seals were among the earliest forms of 'brand identity' - intricate carved cylinders rolled onto clay to create distinctive impressions that identified the owner or merchant. These seals were used to mark property, authenticate documents, and certify trade goods - much like modern corporate logos function today.

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Cylinder seals - carved cylindrical stones rolled onto clay tablets
Cuneiform stamps - wooden blocks with raised symbols pressed into clay
Royal cartouches - oval-shaped name markers borrowed from Egyptian practice
Guild emblems - painted symbols representing craft associations