Since 2006, Macy's has carried the Martha Stewart Collection of home products under the banner, "Only at Macy's." So when Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia struck a 10-year deal last month to sell some branded products at rival department store J.C.Penney, which also acquired a large stake in MSLO, Macy's legal department took notice.

Today Macy's filed a New York state Supreme Court filing to stop Martha Stewart's company from moving ahead with the J.C.Penney arrangement, which includes launching an e-commerce site and branded in-store boutiques in 2013, and to reinforce its existing contract.Continue reading...

As Facebook's Timeline feature rolls out globally (although not for brands — yet), the social media behemoth is jumping into a new revenue stream: mobile advertising. It's getting ready to leverage the shift to tablets and smartphones just in time to boost its coffers prior to a projected $10 billion IPO. It’s a long awaited, preemptive move against Apple's iAd and Google's mobile ad(ventures).

According to Bloomberg, the social network with 800 million users will put ‘Sponsored Stories’ ads in the mobile News Feed. Up until now, Facebook apps on iPhone and Android have remained ad-free. Although flush with cash, CEO Mark Zuckerberg and team have been chomping at the bit to capitalize on their 350 million users who access Facebook via mobile devices. 

If Facebook embraces mobile ads, “it could set off a fascinating corporate strategy fight with Apple and Google,” writes Business Insider. 

Google is “virtually printing money from mobile ads running on its Android system,” says BI, with CEO Larry Page projected $2.5 billion in revenues from mobile ads this year. The search giant has cut a fertile and broad swath for Facebook until now, but with FB selling ads, the relationship will require readjustment so Google reaps a revenue cut.Continue reading...

AMC considers reality shows to complement Mad Men and Breaking Bad.

BP and Shell plan to resume oil exploration in Libya.

Boeing hopes rise for union accord that would end labor struggle.

CBS is upbeat about TV business in 2012.

Citigroup announces cuts of additional 4,500 jobs.

Daimler loses value with investors relative to BMW as the two companies race to finish in U.S. luxury-car sales for 2011 and as Daimler's Mercedes-Benz brand plans big boost in U.S. output.

Darden cuts forecast due to Olive Garden woes.Continue reading...