Trademarks often start life as the surnames for talented individuals, but to become perennial luxury trademarks, such as TIFFANY, CHANEL, CARTIER, or VUITTON, the trademark owner must find a succession of talented individuals to maintain the quality that customers come to expect.  This week Gucci was affected by the news that star designer Tom Ford was leaving.  Articles here in the Times and Vogue, about the challenge in maintaining cachet when the reputation of a mark is dependent upon a ‘star.’