An operation or series of operations to accomplish a given goal or objective.

A highly problematic effect of line extension, where the extension steals market share from the original brand.

See: Brand Extension

A group of independent companies formed to regulate prices in a given market. This practice is illegal in some countries, including the USA and UK.

A set of brands from which a consumer makes a purchase choice after other brands have been considered and rejected.

Product that has been designed and packaged to look like a well–established competitor; a cheap imitation, a knockoff.

Partnerships where two or more brands (often owned by different companies) are used to promote each other as a common offering.

Promotional materials used to present information about an offering and its capabilities, products or services.

Predicting that a given color range/palette will gain popularity over time, based on trend research and chroma theory.

Set of approved colors to be used throughout the brand identity.

Product that can only be differentiated from those of competitors, by price.

Pricing method in which the price for a new product is set by comparing the benefits it offers to those of other products in the same category.

This approach pits two or more Stand Alone Brands (owned by the same the company) against one another for the purpose of market share.

See: Stand Alone Brand

Any brands that are considered to be targeting the same audience.

See: Competitors (Actual), Competitors (Aspirational), Competitors (Theoretical), Awareness Set

Brands that compete for the same exact consumer segment within the same region. Those offerings that a brand currently competes with.

Any brand that operates in a different field and/or industry who occupies a similar market position.

Any brands that hold an equal value position that operates in a different industry, or are not considered direct competition. These may include brands that compete in different regions.

A tendency for people to seek out or interpret information in a way that confirms one's preconceptions and to irrationally avoid information and interpretations which contradict their prior beliefs.

A person who acquires goods or services for direct use or ownership as opposed to resale or use in production and manufacturing.

Any distinctive characteristics or circumstances typical to customers within a given market segment. This allows marketers to distinguish one group of customers from another.

See: Brand Equity

Items purchased by consumers for personal and household use; consumer goods are classified as durables and non-durables.

See: Durable Goods, Non-Durable Goods

See: Consumer Goods

Any subdivision of the holistic mass market.

See: Target Audience

A course of action prepared in advance of a potential problem; it answers this question: “How to respond in a way that will neutralize or minimize the damage, if X happens?”

Exclusive legal right to copy, publish and sell materials; also, the mark that indicates that the material is so protected. The right of copyright gives protection to the originator of the material to prevent use without express permission or acknowledgement of the originator.

A company's particular area of skill and/or knowledge that best contribute to its ability to compete in the market. This aids in sustainable growth by developing new products and/or services.

An organization’s particular area of skill and competency that contribute to its ability to compete.

Associating the name of a corporation with the individual brand name, usually to ensure that introductions will be more readily accepted.

See: Monolithic Brand, Endorsement Brand

The name, logo and other core brand signals that comprise the visual identity of a organization.

The true cost of a purchase measured by deducting an items residual value from its original purchase price (plus the cost of maintenance and usage) divided by the period of ownership.

See: Sub-Culture

Creating products and/or packaging that appears to be the same as those of an established brand to deceive the purchaser. This practice is illegal in many countries, including the USA and UK.

The country from which a given product is made or perceived to be made. Consumers’ willingness to purchase is often heavily influenced by their associations with where a product is designed and manufactured. (e.g., Germany = automobiles, Scotland = scotch, Japan = electronics)

The act of developing new product or service offerings that destroy the company's/brand's existing market. [A theory of Joseph Schumpeter]. This practice keeps top companies on top with offerings that are continually one step in front of those of competitors.

An individual or entity who buys goods or services; usually not by contract.

Bonding the consumer to the brand through one-to-one customer service, and personal contact between the brand representative and consumer. Tracking customer behavior for the purpose of developing marketing and relationship-building processes.

See: After-Sales Service