Apple-led group including RIM and Ericsson buys Nortel patents for $4.5B.

Apple passes 100,000 iPad apps.

Audi targets Ferrari on racing circuit.

BP launches first TV commercial in the UK in five years.

Bulgari signs Rachel Weisz, develops branded hotel with Marriott to open in London.

Chevy US sales hit 20-year high.Continue reading...

Single serving coffee brand Tassimo is taking a page from the Old Spice Guy's well-thumbed viral playbook with its 2011 Mother's Day promotion.

In a series of YouTube videos, Tassimo singers reply with personal Mother's Day messages for consumers. The videos address Julie, Jennifer, Elizabeth and other moms whose digi-kids get a kick out of this kind of thing.Continue reading...

Bosch VitaFresh marketing campaign, above, is yabba-dabba delicious (and nutritious!)

Biggest Twitter downer, apart from World Cup meltdown? Announcing an execution.

Post-plans for new slogan, U.S. Pork Board shows complete and utter lack of a sense of humor.Continue reading...

Starbucks wants to KO the K-cup.

Only six weeks after its vigorous launch of Via instant coffee, Starbucks has announced a new at-home brewing option in partnership with Bosch and the Tassimo beverage machine: T-Discs, available online starting today and in stores Dec. 1, adding two flavors: Starbucks Latte Primo and Starbucks Cappuccino Primo. The T-Discs have been available in Europe since March.

Starbucks promises consumers the same level of quality as the in-store experience, thanks to the Tassimo machine’s ability to read “each encoded disc and adjusts the temperature, brewing time and amount of water to guarantee a great latte or cappuccino.” The retail price for a package of eight beverages is $10.99.Continue reading...