Author: Kashmeera Sambamurthy

Apple – US antitrust lawsuit: Regulators accused iPhone-maker of monopolizing smartphone markets, “unlawful exclusionary behaviour”

FT carried Apple's statement that said, "This lawsuit threatens who we are and the principles that set Apple products apart in fiercely competitive markets,” it said. “If successful, it would hinder our ability to create the kind of technology people expect from Apple — where hardware, software and services intersect. It would also set a dangerous precedent, empowering government to take a heavy hand in designing people’s technology.” (Image source: Unsplash)

After antitrust lawsuits against Alphabet’s, Google, Meta Platforms and Amazon.com, US lawmakers have accused Apple of monopolizing smartphone markets.

IPL 2024: Hindware partners with RCB and Punjab Kings as an associate sponsor

Hindware extends its association as the associate sponsor for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the second consecutive year. In addition, Hindware solidifies its longstanding partnership with Punjab Kings for the third consecutive year as a sponsor.

The recent unveiling of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru jersey showcased Hindware’s placement on the non-leading arm of the players. The Hindware logo will adorn the helmets and caps of the Punjab Kings players.

We had an amazing strike rate of winning pitches over the last 12 months: Parikshit Bhattaccharya, BBH India

Parikshit Bhattaccharya, chief creative officer, BBH India, stated, "We have forged and maintained long-standing relationships with many clients. Red Bull, CaratLane, Garnier and Beam Suntory amongst others, have been with us for a long time. We have successfully converted them into long-standing client relationships. I believe that if an agency adds value, challenges the status quo, and evolves with the times, then it becomes a true brand custodian for its clients."

In an interaction with Storyboard18, Parikshit Bhattaccharya, chief creative officer, BBH India, said, “We have won around a dozen pitches in the last year, including brands like HDFC Ergo, Upgrad, and IHCL, among others. Other than them, some of our esteemed clients include Garnier, CaratLane, Red Bull, and many exciting brands from Beam Suntory, among others.”

Creators United concludes its creator festival ‘Creators United 2024’

In its second edition, the event showcased the synergy between technology and creativity, driving economic growth and innovation in the digital landscape.

The event witnessed the presence of digital celebrities such as Harsh Beniwal, Jannat Zubair, ScoutOP, Tech Burner, Mythpat, Anubhav Singh Bassi, Saurav Joshi, Sakshi Sindwani, Mumbiker Nikhil, etc, amplifying the festival’s digital reach to nearly 1 billion individuals.

Jack Daniel’s ropes in Gaurav Sabharwal as managing director, India and South Asia

Gaurav Sabharwal spent over 14 years with Pernod Ricard in a range of leadership roles with a particular focus on driving strategic and transformational projects, including country and business leadership roles in India, Singapore, and Dubai. Before this, Sabharwal worked with Diageo in various commercial leadership roles.

In his new role, Gaurav Sabharwal will oversee Brown-Forman’s operations in the high-growth and strategic markets of India and South Asia. He will report to Eveline Albarracin, VP, managing director, Brown-Forman ANZPI IMENA Turkiye, and will be based out of Gurugram.

Suzuki trademarks Escudo and Torqnado nameplates in India

At present, Suzuki uses the Escudo nameplate in Japan, which is an SUV. It has been hinted that the seven-seater version of the Grand Vitara could be called Escudo when launched in India, highlighted in a media report. However, the Torqnado name is new. (Image source: Unsplash)

Maruti Suzuki confirmed that it will be launching eight new vehicles in the next four years. Out of the eight, the two trademarked names will be for two models.

TVS Motor Company inducts Vijay Sankar and Shailesh Haribhakti as independent directors

Kuok Meng Xiong, independent director of the company, will step down as independent director effective close of business hours of the ensuing Annual General Meeting 2024, owing to his increased business commitments and personal reasons. (Image source: Moneycontrol)

Vijay Sankar, whose appointment becomes effective on March 20, 2024, holds several independent directorships and trustee positions, including at Oriental Hotels Ltd and the Transport Corporation of India. Shailesh Haribhakti, who joins the board on April 1, 2024, is a certified internal auditor, financial planner and fraud examiner with over five decades of experience.

Alcobev companies seek clarification on classification between brand extension and surrogate advertising

On March 19, CCPA came across and highlighted numerous liquor brands that violated the existing regulations by advertising alcoholic beverages in mainstream media. This was by advertising under the guise of promoting other products or services which are associated with the same brand, stated the report. (Image source: Unsplash)

As stated by two alcobev companies, the Central Consumer Protection Authority’s (CCPA) new directive requires the companies to submit details highlighting their business activities related to brand extensions.

Google v/s Internet companies: CCI refuses to grant interim relief to internet companies

On March 1, Google announced it would remove apps from 10 Indian developers, including Shaadi.com, Naukri.com, jeevansathi.com, and Bharat Matrimony, from its Play Store in India for non-compliance with its billing policies. (Image source: Unsplash)

People Interactive, which runs Shaadi.com and Mebigo Labs, which runs Kuku FM, had sought interim relief.