RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Brand Worlds JF Journal of Advertising Research JO J Advert Res FD WARC SP 182 OP 194 DO 10.2501/JAR-51-1-182-194 VO 51 IS 1 50th Anniversary Supplement A1 Berthon, Pierre A1 Pitt, Leyland F. A1 Chakrabarti, Ronika A1 Berthon, Jean-Paul A1 Simon, Mario YR 2011 UL http://www.journalofadvertisingresearch.com/content/51/1_50th_Anniversary_Supplement/182.abstract AB In this paper, the authors reflect upon the last half-century of branding research, offering both integration and insight. They chart how the understanding of brands has evolved from mark-through mimesis, expression, and symptom to self-organizing phenomenon. Using Popper's Three Worlds hypothesis, they show how the various fragmented streams of branding research can be integrated so that they complement and supplement each other. The authors then provide a prognosis on the future evolutions of brands and branding research.