Apple and Samsung urged to make peace by patent trial judge.

Apple retail chief rehires employees he "mistakenly" fired, as brand's vision for TV set-top box becomes clearer.

Samsung launches Galaxy Note 10.1 in three major markets.

WikiLeaks' Julian Assange gets caught in a diplomatic stand-off as Ecuador offers him asylum.

Facebook shares drop to lowest point yet.

Best Buy founder presses his case for company takeover.

Budweiser sponsors Jay-Z documentary.

Heineken reportedly in talks with F&N to raise APB bid.

Macy's sues JCPenney over Martha Stewart deal after suing Stewart.

Nestlé loses bid to prevent sales of rival coffee capsules.Continue reading...

When it comes to nation branding, America's brand needs a hero. Captain America the movie won’t be released until July. But will that be soon enough for us to spot the superhero on the horizon? America needs rescuing right now. 

At least that’s what a Carteresque essayist in TIME magazine is saying this week. Fareed Zakaria asks, “Are America’s Best Days Behind Us?” His answer seems to be “yes.” His thesis also will be the subject of a special airing Sunday on CNN, Restoring the American Dream: Getting Back to No. 1.

What is Zakaria all depressed about?

Basically, he bemoans America's lack of government-directed investments for the future in the “right” science and technology, the low test scores of American schoolkids relative to their rivals around the world, partisan gridlock in Washington, and other worries many Americans have for the future.

He makes several good points about our crumbling infrastructure and our clear lead in obesity, and so on. He also says we should be more like the Scandinavians.Continue reading...

General Motors filed for an IPO today. The move, billed as "historic" by the Washington Post, will allow GM to become a public company again and let the U.S. government begin selling its stake.

BlackBerry users in the UAE and other RIM hotspots are scrambling for alternatives.

American Airlines is adding a $19-$39 surcharge for front-row seats, now called "Express Seats."

BHP, the world's largest mining company, stepped up its aggressive bid for Potash.

BMW's new Megacity concept car is called a "decidely ugly" entry in the eco-car race.

BP faces a "long road" to restoring consumer confidence in its brand, writes the Washington Post.Continue reading...