Brand standards. They're a lot like liver - no one really likes it but we know it's good for us. If you've ever worked for a company that takes its brand seriously, you're naturally quite familiar with this document. It's the brand bible that commands all of its followers on precise usage -- from correct logo usage to approved color palettes, fonts, and even proper margin widths! There are many out there who question the importance of such guidelines. After all, does it really matter if your corporate logo is one shade off of green in the annual report? In most instances, I'd argue that these slight transgressions in and of themselves don't really make that much of a difference in the short run. But as companies spread their wings and embark on global brand and marketing initiatives, they must pay special attention to the slippery slope of brand guidelines. Take Starbucks for example. The coffee giant has been particularly aggressive when it comes to protecting their brand from international coffee businesses co-opting facets of their ubiquitous brand. While it might seem excessive to some, Starbucks understands well that their brand is their most valuable and recognized asset. Consequently, it is especially important for Starbucks to ensure that their brand guidelines are strictly adhered to as it's actually a key part of their legal defense. So something as small as the wrong Pantone color being used on corporate signage in Taiwan could have serious legal ramifications -- especially given the fact that global copyright laws vary widely from region to region.