California – July 30, 2020. I don’t usually lead off with a dateline, but stay with me… Around this time of year, I’m reminded of several things, one of which was a conversation I had with one of my young…
California – July 30, 2020. I don’t usually lead off with a dateline, but stay with me… Around this time of year, I’m reminded of several things, one of which was a conversation I had with one of my young…
As the world’s first major pandemic in over hundred years rages on, consumers and the press have adopted two popular shorthand names for it: Corona Virus or Covid Virus. Nowadays the two names are used interchangeably, but which one is…
Cadbury (Year Founded: 1824) Cadbury was founded in 1824 when John Cadbury opened his grocer’s shop in Birmingham. Being a Quaker, he sold only tea, coffee, cocoa, and drinking chocolate. Cadbury’s little shop grew in popularity so much that only seven years…
When people ask me how long a registered trademark is good for, my glib reply is often “How old is Mickey Mouse?” Unlike patents, which typically expire after 17 years or so, trademarks can be renewed every few years. How…
Coutts (Year Founded: 1692) Coutts was founded in 1692 by John Campbell. It started life as a goldsmith’s shop in Strand, London. By the time of Campbell’s death in 1712, it was an operational bank. After his death, his son-in-law took…
As the world goes through some tough times right now, it is interesting to see which major brands grew during depressions and wars. Surely there are some lesson to be learned here – not the least of which is press…
How do these things start and progress? This post began by sharing a link to an article on the health benefits of canned seafood, which led to the observation that you can no longer order sardines on your pizza. The…
Great Moments in Naming History This one started out when my colleague Greg sent me a link to an article titled “No, It’s Not the ‘Corona Beer Virus.’ Lawd.” I replied “Damn they must be fuming…what marketing spin would you…
Hotix(TM) or Hiitox or maybe even Hotix-Pro(TM) – these product names have been flying across my screen all week. All pertaining to be the latest Swedish small wall heater plug-in the socket. All with the same photo image. Why would…
Just as we happily bid farewell to a bad me too product called Google+, new video services come online called Disney + and Apple +. Walt Disney and Steve Jobs must be turning in their graves. Doesn’t management get that…