There are lots of companies with very deep pockets who are out to create everlasting brand identities for their products and services. The keys to creating good brand identity are two:
Innovation and Consistency. The brands that eventually stand the test of time are those who have managed to innovate over a period of time without deviating too much from the core value proposition of the brand. One international brand that has successfully managed to do this for the past 30 years is Absolut Vodka. It has always managed to come up with clever motifs and word plays based on the brand name. This has struck a chord with generations of vodka drinkers all over the world. People in fact look forward to their new ads.