Apple loses iPad Mini trademark, and finds a fan in Kim Jong-un as North Korea rattles saber and tensions rise with U.S., while increased China headaches include hacking threat and iPad regulation.

Discovery Communications expands global channel reach and launches scripted programming.

Novartis loses cancer drug patent battle in India.

Amazon buys Goodreads community-driven user reviews website.

AMC reveals new tagline and logo.

Armani hires Cate Blanchett for $10M campaign.

AT&T scores with March Madness Twitter campaign.Continue reading...

Car brands are busy expanding beyond the average sedan, and now Nissan is the latest to launch brand partnerships that will help sink the Nissan name deeper into consumers' sub-conscious. 

The Japanese car manufacturer just launched Nismo.TV on YouTube, part of the brand’s major global motorsport content push. Nismo.TV gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at branded products and breaking motorsport stories such as Nissan’s experimental Le Mans electric prototype and gamer-to-racer GT Academy.

The collaboration will showcase YouTube branding across the cars of Nismo’s drivers as they compete in big-name racing events in Europe such as Blancpain Endurance and LeMans Series, as well as GT Academy winners who’ve graduated from PlayStation games to real-world racing.Continue reading...

AMC tries to enlist consumers in standoff with Dish Network.

Amazon expands use of delivery lockers and expands into social gaming.

American Airlines faces record $162 million in penalties.

Apple plans to pull YouTube app from iPhone and iPad in growing rift with Google as it grills the head of strategy for Samsung in court.

Best Buy founder moves on estranged company.

Chuck E. Cheese starts new campaign aimed at moms.

Coca-Cola deals with kick-out threats from Bolivia.Continue reading...

On August 24, US Fish and Wildlife Service agents — armed US Fish and Wildlife Service — executed a raid on a business suspected of importing illegal materials. That business was the iconic Gibson guitar. The suspected crime? Using illegally harvested hardwoods.

But in a twist, Gibson's plight has been picked up on by the increasingly vocal smaller-government movement of the conservative right. Gibson, these activists say, is a prime example of government overreach and business-strangling regulation, and at all levels from grass roots activists to top leaders in Congress, "Gibson" has become a call to battle.

And yes, there will be a rally.Continue reading...

Allstate looks to jettison weak agents.

Amazon's iPad challenging Kindle Fire set to be revealed today.

Arnott's promotes Roadies beer chip brand in Australia.

Aston Martin named UK's coolest brand, while Asos tops British digital brand love ranking.

Barclays is Britain's most beefed about banking brand.

BP launches "My Gulf" web series promoting Louisiana Gulf Coast tourism and culture on YouTube.

CBS News confirms Andy Rooney's last 60 Minutes is Sunday.

Esprit value tumbles.

Facebook wins first round in fight with Teachbook.Continue reading...

Pepsi returns to musical roots in spots for tonight's debut of The X Factor on Fox, while the UK version of the show copes with criticism over treatment of contestant. Meanwhile, analysts say that PepsiCo shareholders could reap big gains if the company executes a strategic split-up.

SABMiller gets Foster's to accede to a deal.

Burger King's post-King advertising clicks with consumers.

AOL needs Patch to turn a profit.

Apple schedules Oct. 4th press conference, presumably for iPhone 5 reveal.

CBS scores huge ratings for first episode of Two and a Half Men with Ashton Kutcher, including setting a Canadian TV record.

Chipotle sees strong growth potential from ShopHouse Asian eateries.

Chrysler seeks to keep lid on UAW pay through 2019.Continue reading...

Netflix and Starz contract renewal talks break off, ending one of Netflix's "most important" (though less so, lately) content deals.

Hostess Brands, maker of Twinkies and Wonder Bread, retains restructuring advisers.

Oracle $1.3 billion verdict against SAP overturned by judge.

Accera Inc.'s Axona milkshake raises hopes for Alzheimer's patients.

Air Australia reveals new livery.

Airbnb expands into sublets.

Amazon bargains to avoid online sales tax in California.

American Airlines disputes survey saying it had the longest call-waiting times during Hurricane Irene, hires pet detective to track missing-at-JFK passenger Jack the Cat.Continue reading...

Amazon launches mobile price-comparison engine that threatens store retailers.

Apple sells 2 million Beatles songs in first week.

Dolce & Gabbana namesakes indicted on tax evasion charges.

EBS and other Irish banks are up for sale as bailout request puts nation on brink of collapse.

Foursquare takes on the TSA with “Baggage Handler” badge, as TSA launches iPhone app to advise travelers.

Gibson sues PaperJamz paper guitar-maker WowWee and retailers including Toys'R'Us and eBay.

Google allows promoted tweets to real-time search results.Continue reading...