Naming and branding decision tree
The general case an Alpha Corporation. Four questions apply:
Q1
Will Alpha wholly own and control this business?
Yes
Q2
No; it is a joint or cooperative venture
See special naming and signature guidelines for
licensing in, licensing out, multiparty alliances, classic joint ventures
Any other No
No endorsement by Alpha brand can be permitted
Is Alpha committed, long-term, to this business?
Q3 Impact of the business
on the Alpha brand?
Yes
Reinforces
Expands
Neutral or Negative
Not yet
known
Reinforces
Expands
Neutral or Negative
No
Reinforces
Expands
Neutral or Negative
2002 Tony Spaeth
Q4 Impact of Alpha brand
on the business?
Appropriate name type,
in general
Appropriate signature type,
in general
Positive
(Alpha + ) generic name
Alpha logo + generic name
Positive if secondary
TM proprietary name
Alpha visual endorsement
Neutral or Negative
proprietary name
Alpha visual endorsement
Positive
(Alpha + ) generic or TM
Alpha logo + name
Positive if secondary
TM or proprietary
Own name, visually endorsed
Neutral or Negative
proprietary
Own logo, verbally endorsed
Positive
proprietary
Own logo, verbally endorsed
Positive if secondary
proprietary
Own logo, verbally endorsed
Positive
(Alpha + ) generic or TM
Alpha logo + name
Positive if secondary
proprietary
Alpha visual endorsement
Neutral or Negative
proprietary
Alpha verbal endorsement
Positive
(Alpha + ) generic or TM
Alpha visual endorsement
Positive if secondary
proprietary
Alpha visual endorsement
Neutral or Negative
proprietary
Alpha verbal endorsement
Positive
proprietary
Own logo, verbal endorsement if any
Positive if secondary
proprietary
Own logo, verbal endorsement if any
Positive
Generic or TM proprietary
Alpha visual endorsement
Positive if secondary
TM or proprietary
Alpha visual endorsement
Neutral or Negative
proprietary
Alpha verbal endorsement
Positive
TM proprietary
Alpha visual endorsement
Positive if secondary
TM or proprietary
Alpha visual endorsement
Neutral or Negative
proprietary
Alpha verbal endorsement
Positive
proprietary
Own logo, verbal endorsement if any
Positive if secondary
proprietary
Own logo, verbal endorsement if any