At top: Attention art directors looking for something new and cool. Check out the perspective art of this Beijing Chemical Engineering University student. 

China is the second largest economy in the world and every significant brand's future is impacted by its growth (or collapse)—but who's got the time?! Here's the week's reads that will make you look like a keen China observer in case you find yourself immersed in a cultural conversation.

This week: ad spend... what China wants in 2013... suspicions about VW's recall... Apple... Buick's recall... Microsoft on Taobao... BMW partnerships... one evil mechanic's genius business development idea... Gangnam grannies take on Harlem noodle shake... and more.Continue reading...

As the production of counterfeit goods continues to be a chronic problem in 2011, a new report released by the US government points to 33 "notorious markets" that are "prominent examples" of both online and physical marketplaces involved in selling fakes.

The report, issued by the Office of the United States Trade Representative, identifies Baidu, the leading online search engine in China, as providing links to online locations containing "allegedly infringing materials."Continue reading...

Carlsberg's new World Cup spot (above) features soccer legends.

BMW prototype sparks bomb scare in Manhattan as global sales increase.

Borders unveils Kobo e-reader.

Smirnoff tops power 100 ranking of alcohol brands.

Uniqlo dubbed New York's "hippest retailer."

IBM acquires Cast Iron systems for cloud capabilities.

JetBlue unveils new "digital brand experience" campaign.Continue reading...

For the latest Black Friday Live! updates from Abe Sauer, tune in to brandchannel all day.

Google will launch its own smartphone brand. [Mobile News Direct]

Seeking growth, Cadbury will increase advertising in India. [Warc]

HSBC returns focus to Hong Kong business. [NY Times]

The last Pontiac rolled off the assembly line Wednesday. [Detroit News]

Fearing sluggish sales, retailers ramp up online savings offers. [WSJ]

M&A activity on Wall Street can be a good thing or a bad thing. [WSJ]

(More headlines: UK "family brands," Lululemon, Taobao.)Continue reading...