Our story, heritage and history
1991
In August 1991, while Estonia declared the restoration of its independence, history was in motion. That same summer, during a visit to Helsinki, Üleoja found himself — by pure coincidence — in the back room of a stamp manufacturing workshop.
The stamp-making process reminded him of something very familiar: developing photographs from negatives. In that moment, an idea sparked — Estonia needs this right now.
On the spot, a major investment was made. He returned to Tallinn with a full set of stamp-making equipment: machines, inks, UV emulsions, and all the materials needed to begin.
Our very first major client was — and still remains — the Estonian government, our longest and most loyal partner. We quickly built a reputation for uncompromising quality and speed. Decades ago, Leopard was the only company in Tallinn that could deliver a stamp or print within one hour of ordering — and even today, flexibility and fast turnaround remain our hallmarks.
2001
Leopard moves to its current location on Roosikrantsi street.
As digitalisation reshaped the industry, the demand for traditional seals and stamps declined. Leopard responded by investing in digital printing and engraving technologies. This allowed us to serve notaries and professional offices with modern solutions while still maintaining our heritage craftsmanship. We never relied on heavy advertising. Instead, our good reputation, word-of-mouth, and loyal clients sustained us.
2019
2025
The secret to Leopard’s success has always been simple: quality and speed. These values, combined with an ability to adapt, have kept us relevant across decades of change.
Today, we continue to see growing demand for both heritage products and modern design services. Stamps, seals, and prints may fall quiet from time to time, but they never truly vanish — they always return. For our design and event ventures, the trajectory is only upward, inspiring us with new opportunities and challenges. We remain open, adaptable, and driven by the same spirit that sparked Leopard’s founding in 1991.
Before founding Leopard, our story began with the remarkable career of a multitalented, self-made man — Mr Üleoja. He spent three years at Tallinnfilm, Estonia’s oldest surviving film studio, followed by four years at Estonian Television. From there, a whirlwind of 25 years at the famously known Eesti Reklaamfilm shaped his path, where he worked as Deputy Director. It was through these decades in the film and advertising world that his passion for radically changing and challenging the world of communication was born.
1992
From the very beginning, work poured in. Clients ranged from small local businesses to the Estonian government itself. The first free elections in Estonia since World War II created enormous demand: stamps for the Constitutional referendum in June and the parliamentary elections in September 1992.
Within a year, Leopard was producing over 1,000 stamps per month. Renowned for premium handmade seal and stamp handle quality, Leopard also began exporting stamp heads to Finland, Sweden, and Germany. Leopard was employing eight people at the time.
2017
Though digitalisation changed the landscape, the need for stamps and seals never truly disappeared. Institutions like government offices, customs, travel companies, medical institutions, notaries, and car repair shops continue to require stamps and seals. Increasingly, private clients seek to elevate their wedding invitations, event branding, and product launches. At the same time, our design and event production services have widen to meet the ever-increasing demand with creativity and precision. Handover of the business within the family during 2017 to 2019 fueled this new approach of speedy development in untouched fields.
And our story continues as we are going towards the inspiring 2026 ahead.
History of the name Leopard
The search for a name led to Tallinn’s libraries and old heraldic books. It was here that Üleoja discovered something fascinating: Estonia’s national coat of arms — with its three lions — could also be interpreted as three leopards.
According to heraldic rules, a lion was depicted seated, while a leopard was shown standing or in motion. Leopard in coat of arms also represents business entreprise. The name Leopard was chosen for its strength, universality, and ease of translation worldwide. By November 1991, Leopard was registered, and operations began.
Our locations through time
Leopard’s journey through Tallinn has taken us to several remarkable addresses, each marking a chapter in our growth.
Our very first home was Raekoja Plats 15, in the heart of Tallinn’s Old Town, where we shared premises with Reklaamfilm. The first stamp forms were hand-engraved by former Reklaamfilm employees, whose craftsmanship and photo-negative expertise laid the foundation for Leopard’s reputation in quality.
From there, we made a brief stop at Rataskaevu Street during the early years of rapid growth, before moving to Müürivahe Street 17. Here, operations expanded across three floors with a dedicated team of eight, and Leopard thrived for a full decade.
Since 2001, our home has been Roosikrantsi Street — a historic building designed in 1911 by renowned architects Armas Lindgren and Wivi Lönn for the Head of State of the Republic of Estonia, Friedrich Akel. More than just a location, it is a patriotic address that we still proudly call home today.
CASE LENNART MERI
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