Business is brisk for dead celebrities. Call it the Michael Jackson phenomenon, but suddenly, it seems as if we're hearing more about the brand-boosting activities of dead celebrities than live ones.

Brandchannel recently reported on a new merchandising deal that could make Bob Marley the richest dead celebrity. Estimates are that earnings associated with Marley will top $1 billion in the next three years.

The next celebrity poised to make a posthumous comeback is martial artist star Bruce Lee, who died in 1973. Bruce Lee's daughter, Shannon Lee, told The New York Times she wants to be "the guide" for "relaunching the brand, as it were."Continue reading...

Accenture ends sponsorship of Tiger Woods. [NY Times]

Citigroup in tentative deal with government officials to repay bailout funds. [NY Times]

Asda to share sourcing with parent-company Walmart, cutting costs and slashing prices. [Times of London]

The Google phone, "Nexus One", leaks to the web as phone enters beta-testing. [WSJ]

Forecasting dismal performance in 2010, Nokia cuts jobs at Finnish plant. [NY Times]

Beijing Automotive will buy parts of Saab. [WSJ]Continue reading...

New York Times launches Chicago edition, buying content from new non-profit venture. [NY Times]

Reflecting the growing popularity of online video, CNN debuts new video-centered website. [NY Times]

Amazon's rise in third quarter sales is thanks to the Kindle. [Times of London]

J. Crew raises profit outlook. [WSJ]

Pepsi discontinues "Amp Up Before You Score" app after controversy. [BrandWeek]

Nokia accuses Apple of trademark infringement in lawsuit. [Telegraph]

Bruce Lee's daughter buys rights, forms company to brand her father's legacy in China. [WSJ]

(More headlines: Marks & Spencer, food from Martha Stewart.)Continue reading...