Brand architecture, then, is how a company’s brands are related to and differentiated from each other in a composite structure. In evaluating new product introductions and brand extensions and in building or restructuring a brand portfolio, it is essential to recognize and respect the parent brand’s meaning, vision and parameters of relevance. With each line and brand extension the parent brand is redefined in the consumer’s mind, whether imperceptibly, marginally, or more substantially. Gratuitous extension can result in the brand being stretched out of recognition and in having its meaning diluted to the detriment of the other products within the portfolio. Judicious extension, on the other hand, can consolidate and enhance parent brand meaning and represents a highly advantageous way of introducing new products and entering new categories.