Microsoft denied "Killer Instinct" trademark, as Microsoft-Google patent fight rests on "fairness" definition and Motorola is denied injuction against Microsoft in patent suit. Microsoft-Intel push to combat Apple in tablet space, meanwhile, seen as "sputtering."

American Suzuki forges ahead with incentives amid US wind down.

Apple wins six new design patents, sees increasing pricing tension with retailers and Steve Jobs bio pic starring Ashton Kutcher heading to Sundance.

Applebee's plans to open "green" restaurant in New York's Harlem where Hot Bread Kitchen is a rising local brand.

Balenciaga hires designer Alexander Wang as creative chief.

Baxter agrees to buy medical-equipment maker Gambro in company's biggest acquisition.Continue reading...

In the world of brand extensions, fashion brands have a relatively easy path from clothing to fashion accessories. It is not uncommon, for example, to see brand names that may have started their lives associated with fine clothing become equally known for handbags, jewelry and perfume.

Yet another fashion brand is taking that route: Sperry Top-Sider is forging a relationship with Geneva Watches. Geneva will launch a line of Sperry fashion and sports watches in the spring of 2013.

Geneva Watch Group CEO Jeff Gregg says there is a "resurgence in American heritage brands among the Gen Y and Millennial consumers" and Sperry will help Geneva "expand our reach to this important group." The watch collection bearing the Sperry Top-Sider name will include vintage design elements drawing inspiration from the "Authentic Original" boat shoe silhouette and from the dashboard gauge-tech of vintage motor boats. Continue reading...

American Airlines woos Hispanic travelers with Spanish-language website.

Distilled Spirits Council releases social media guidelines for alcohol brand marketers.

Foster's takeover by SABMiller seen as good for the brand.

Goodrich may soon have a new owner in United Technologies.

Google chairman Eric Schmidt refutes charges the site 'cooks' search results, while site faces inquiry into Microsoft ad pricing.

Gucci celebrates 90th anniversary with "art deco meets Blade Runner" opening show at Milan Fashion Week.

HP board eyes new CEO.

Lindsay Lohan lands German brand endorsement deal.Continue reading...

AT&T accidentally reveals VIP iPad owners' information as iPhone 4 "retina display" challenged.

BP shares plunge 16% as oil industry's Dr. Doom predicts collapse.

Goldman Sachs was sued by Australian hedge fund.

Google and Apple are fighting over mobile ads.Continue reading...

The sale of Tommy Hilfiger, a leading premium fashion brand, may occur within weeks, reports the New York Post. The likely buyer? None other than Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation (PVH), which already owns an impressive stable of fashion brands, including Arrow, Bass, Calvin Klein, Izod, and Van Heusen.

Tommy Hilfiger went from a public to a private company in 2006 when it was purchased by equity firm Apax Partners. Of course, that was before the global economic meltdown pummeled retail brands.Continue reading...