In an unusual move by a major brand, CPG giant Nestlé responded this week to a $5 million U.S. class action suit over trans fats in its frozen pizza brands by posting a video on YouTube that pushed back against the claims.

The video, posted Wednesday on Nestle USA's corporate YouTube channel, was removed without explanation on Thursday (update: it's now back online).

The suit, filed by Katie Simpson of San Diego, Calif., claims that Nestle’s frozen pizza brands—DiGiorno, Stouffer’s, and California Pizza Kitchen—are a danger to public health because they contain trans fats. The ingredients are legal in U.S. packaged goods, though the state of California, New York City and Philadelphia have banned their use in restaurants.

"Katie has two young children and she likes to make pizza for them, and all kids love pizza," her attorney, Greg Watson, told ABC's Good Morning America. "It shouldn't have a toxic food additive that's been banned all around the world."Continue reading...

Rupert Murdoch names longtime lieutenant Robert Thomson head of global publishing unit as company's news/book publishing and entertainment assets prepare to be separated into News Corporation and Fox Group. As part of global restructuring, experimental "ipadazine" The Daily is closing.

Delta bids for 49-percent stake in Virgin Atlantic.

Ford unveils new branding campaign for overhauled Lincoln brand.

Air Berlin to lay out overhaul.

Apple goes minimal in new iPad Mini print ads as iPhone 5 hits 50+ new countries.

CNN will strive for "must-see TV" under Jeff Zucker.Continue reading...

Accor speeds expansion after profits rise.

California Pizza Kitchen adds healthful items to menu.

Denny's to open 10 restaurants in Chile in first major expansion in South America.

ESPN extends deal with Major League Baseball through 2021.

FTC files false-advertising charges against Your Baby Can Read program.

Ford breaks ground on new plant in eastern China. Continue reading...

Acura is under fire for casting of Super Bowl commercial starring Jerry Seinfeld.

American Airlines parent AMR outlines non-union cutbacks.

California Pizza Kitchen plans new prototype and brand renewal.

Citigroup faces executive-pay dilemma after shareholder vote.

Dick Clark's career celebrated as entertainment legend dies at 82.

eBay continues comeback, citing PayPal.Continue reading...

Alibaba takes on Baidu for dominance in China.

Android rises to #2 smartphone platform in Europe.

Apple ponders disposition of its cash horde.

California Pizza Kitchen plans brand revival.

Cochlear recalls line of ear implants.

Deutsche Bank launches Autobahn App Market.

Ford unveils new three-cylinder EcoBoost engine at Frankfurt auto show.

GameStop to sell branded gaming tablet.Continue reading...

AIG raises $8.7 billion.

Amazon launches $164 Kindle 3G with ads, as B&N unveils $139 touchscreen Nook.

Apple passes 500,000 unique app offerings in its U.S. store.

Bharti Walmart expands wholesale stores.

Bob Dylan turns 70.

Boeing weighs options for new planes.

British Airways develops Windows 7 mobile boarding app.

California Pizza Kitchen agrees to buyout offer.Continue reading...

Here at brandchannel, we love the idea of brand licensing. Indeed, after all the work of building a strong, championed brand, why not leverage it a little?

The key is "a little." All brand owners dream of seeing their brand cross that line where consumers begin to willingly self-identity with it, whether that's by wearing a t-shirt or using a brand-licensed credit card.

Consider Trump licensing his name in India, or Everlast licensing to Sears. Everybody's doing it. One category of brands making substantial changes to the brand licensing approach is the automotive sector.

Ford and Lamborghini just launched online marketplaces to sell their merchandise in addition to already established relationships at retail outlets.

Intrigued to find out more, we interviewed Michael Stone, founder and CEO of brand licensing specialist Beanstalk, which has worked with Ford, Harley-Davidson, Land Rover and Stanley, about the benefits and pitfalls of brand licensing as a marketing tactic.Continue reading...

Amazon invests $175 million in LivingSocial.

California Pizza Kitchen debuts brand in China.

Ford edges out GM in government fleet orders.

Gawker paid $12,000 for Brett Favre scoop.

Google vows to get tougher on web piracy, launches "Earth Engine" to map climate change.

LeBron James overcomes booing Cleveland fans as his Miami Heat down the Cavaliers.Continue reading...