[Conference] One associate attorney general said most of the office's efforts have to do with companies' efforts to "regain control" of the information process by overt or implied threats. "Accusations of false libel, for instance," he said. "There have been cases where companies have tried to force customers to take down criticism from the web. Though courts would throw it out, what such companies do is threaten lawsuits against bloggers." ...Read the whole story

[Electronics] The worldwide campaign calls attention to product development with outdoor signage as well as print and online ads. The advertising message: "If you're looking to buy a PC, engineering matters." Lenovo's going after the foot traffic in airports. It says, "We got lucky that LAX decided to launch a new platform called The Hollywood Network at the same time." ...Read the whole story

[Industry] The Walk of Fame is "unequivocally and emphatically a great showcase for brands," says Advertising Week's executive director, adding that the program was designed to honor a combination of classic and contemporary icons and slogans. But while additional consumer exposure to brands is certainly a plus, it's enough to "make people in the business smile and feel good." ...Read the whole story

[Retail] In addition to the specific markets, Tesco also gave a few more clues about its extensive food production facility in Riverside, Calif. Just in case anyone was still thinking the chain might sell a handful of prepackaged subs and burritos as American convenience stores do, Tesco says its facility will employ between 1,500 and 2,000 people within the next five years. ...Read the whole story

[Spirits] Mintel predicts that we'll see even more deep purple and red beverages in the months ahead: "Chefs will explore the deeper health benefits and flavor of antioxidant-rich foods such as deep red wine and dark chocolate, the subtleties of red and white tea, as well as the antioxidant-rich açaí berry," it predicts. "And the vitamin C-packed acerola cherry will provide additional sweetness to the functional flavor category." ...Read the whole story

[Conference] Panelists at the National Advertising Review Council's NAD Annual Conference argued that, although the Web is protean, the law isn't. And that if one follows the letter of the law, which might be called "truth in blogging," there's a decent chance one will also avoid blowing up one's brand. The broader issue addressed is the lack of companies' ability to control information, and the temptation that companies have to try nonetheless. ...Read the whole story

[Food] General Mills is filling a need discovered through a recent survey of young African-American women that shows they are not very confident in the kitchen, but want to learn how to cook soul food and pass the recipes on to their kids. The company has launched a dedicated Web site and will host a series of supper clubs this fall. ...Read the whole story