Selfridges has revealed its first batch of unbranded products as part of its month-long "No Noise" quiet shopping promotion.

Ahead of Monday's official launch of the event, the British retailer's Oxford Street flagship in London has unveiled its first collection of de-logofied products in partnership with brands in its food hall a trio of bare labels created by Heinz for its iconic ketchup bottle, baked beans tin and Marmite jar. (Warning: It's a "very limited" collection by Heinz, tweeted Selfridges food and restaurants manager David Jarvis.)

Selfridges grocery section of its food hall is now offering on-the-spot juicing by Juice Club UK, healthy snacks (and a food prescription consultation) from WinNaturally and other "food for thought" as part of the promotion inspired by the store's namesake founder — whose story is coming to British TV on Sunday night, with Jeremy Piven starring as "Mr. Selfridge" in ITV's new period drama series.

Other "No Noise" elements shoppers can check out include free meditation sessions and motion sensor window displays from Headspace, cellphone- and shoe-free shopping, art and (quiet) music performances and other moves to turn down the visual and auditory volume as a minimalist kick-off to the new year.Continue reading...

Microsoft denied "Killer Instinct" trademark, as Microsoft-Google patent fight rests on "fairness" definition and Motorola is denied injuction against Microsoft in patent suit. Microsoft-Intel push to combat Apple in tablet space, meanwhile, seen as "sputtering."

American Suzuki forges ahead with incentives amid US wind down.

Apple wins six new design patents, sees increasing pricing tension with retailers and Steve Jobs bio pic starring Ashton Kutcher heading to Sundance.

Applebee's plans to open "green" restaurant in New York's Harlem where Hot Bread Kitchen is a rising local brand.

Balenciaga hires designer Alexander Wang as creative chief.

Baxter agrees to buy medical-equipment maker Gambro in company's biggest acquisition.Continue reading...

FanCulture is a short film that explores the relationship between fans and brands and the methods used to harness that enthusiasm in marketing.

Featuring interviews with leading academics, brand strategists and fans including Dr. Matt Hills, Sony PlayStation, Fred Perry, UK broadcaster Channel 4, Polydor Records, the Kaiser Chiefs and "superfans" of brands from Nike to Marmite, it explores the issues at the heart of the brand-fan relationship such as: Is there a formula to creating fans, how much can fans be worth to a brand, and why engaging enthusiasts and brand ambassadors should become more than just buying "Likes" on Facebook.Continue reading...

Marmite is considered a yeasty feast by some, and ick-inducing goo by others, but love it ior hate it: the iconic British brand has earned a reputation worldwide since its conception in 1902. 

Marking its 110th anniversary this year, Marmite is tipping its cap to another iconic British brand celebrating a major milestone this year: Queen Elizabeth, who celebrates 60 years on the throne at her Diamond Jubilee on June 5th.Continue reading...

Call it awww-gmented reality: Starbucks has updated its Cup Magic augmented reality app, introduced before Christmas, in time for Valentine's Day. Send and receive 3D virtual messages by scanning limited edition love heart adorned cups — more info here.

More Valentine's brand love below, from Pizza Hut, Heineken and more: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...

Allianz launches biggest global ad campaign to date.

Apple shares hit all-time high but lower than expected iPad sales disappoints investors.

Bank of America reports wider losses.

Boeing pares employee health plan, citing so-called ObamaCare U.S. health legislation. 

British Airways CEO calls for travel industry reform.

Chevron PR efforts get punked.

Disney takes over distribution rights to Marvel movies.Continue reading...

BP tells U.S. officials its cement plug for damaged well was a success, and that its Gulf clean-up costs have passed $6 billion.

H-P faces questions over whether its board acted too rashly in demanding the resignation of CEO Mark Hurd, as the woman at the center of his ethics scandal identifies herself. The New York Times writes, "turning the page on the scandal won't be easy" for HP.

BlackBerry-maker Research in Motion faces a deadline of today to test proposed solutions to its security challenges in Saudi Arabia, as a temporary agreement keeps its services intact there.Continue reading...