Ambush, pirate marketingThe 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa will see many brand and product owners trying to push their consumables by associating their goods with the epic event. FIFA has already barred about 20 entrepreneurs, mainly from the Gauteng region of the country, from using 2010 as a name or part of the name for any advertisement or campaign to promote their businesses. FIFA is extremely strict when enforcing its trademark policies to reduce ambush marketing, and so it should be. Those who think they can exploit the event to make a quick buck - especially from incoming tourists - need to be stopped dead in their tracks. Trademarks and copyright are there for a reason and it is extremely important in today's society to ensure creators and owners rights are respected and creative ingenuity is always valued. Recently, Congo-Brazzaville President Denis Sassou-Nguesso's autobiography was marketed using a quotation by Nelson Mandela. An excerpt of a speech given by the former president a while back was used as the foreword in the book and insinuated that the book was endorsed by Mandela. Using the icon's name to push sales was crafty, yet very wrong. Michel Lafon and Africa World Press, publisher of the book, have issued an apology addressed to Madiba, but is this enough? Certainly not. This book has probably already hit shelves and legal action would take too long to implement in order for the books to be withdrawn. The issue has also now created a media buzz around the book. Perhaps, the Nelson Mandela Foundation should be handed a portion of the royalties on all books sold. Either way, no bad deed should go unpunished. Cheers! Sindy Peters, Content manager
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[Nkosana Lekotjolo] The publishers of the autobiography of Congo-Brazzaville President Denis Sassou-Nguesso have apologised for using former president Nelson Mandela's name to endorse his book, the Nelson Mandela Foundation said. Read more >> Branding
Brand managers, marketing communications practitioners, students, academics and other professionals interested in the field, study and practice of branding and brand management are invited to submit their researched papers, articles, brand related news features, photos of product launches and other brand events for publication in the launch edition of nigerianbrands. Read more >>Digital
SAN FRANCISCO: Microsoft on Wednesday, 21 October 2009, began integrating Twitter messages into its new Internet search engine Bing and arch-rival Google announced plans to do the same. Read more >>[Carole Kimutai] Kenya Data Networks have quadrupled its bandwidth offering for all its existing and new clients. This offer went into effect on Wednesday, 21 October 2009. Clients previously receiving 1Mbps now enjoy 4Mbps and only pay for 1Mbps and the other 3Mbps are offered free of charge. Read more >> Mobile
Zain Nigeria recently announced that it has entered into a managed services and care contract with Nokia Siemens Networks. The agreement covers full network management, operations and maintenance, aiming to ensure network availability at all times across Nigeria. Read more >>Newspapers
The International Association of Sports Newspapers (IASN), founded in June 2008, launched its website on Friday, 23 October 2009, which highlights its work in the promotion of the interests and freedom of the sports press and is aimed at media executives, sponsors and the sports press audience at large. Read more >>Terry Horne, publisher of the Orange County Register in the USA who believes the future of newspapers lies in hyperlocal news, increased web offerings and premium content in print, has joined the programme for the World Newspaper Congress, to be held in Hyderabad, India, from 30 November to 3 December 2009. Read more >>Online Media
CNN launches its new website today, Monday, 26 October 2009. The international edition of CNN.com will give more depth to stories in Africa, the Middle East and Latin America, alongside existing sections for Europe, Asia and North America. Read more >>Miningmx, a South African mining media company and publisher of Rainmakers & Potstirrers, recently announced the launch of a new interactive online portal dedicated to the 100 most influential players in the African resources industry. Read more >>Research
LONDON: According to an announcement from the Ipsos Business Elite (BE) Europe Survey, late last week, CNN is the most popular international television channel to watch amongst Europe's most senior business decision makers. Read more >>Retail
[Sure Kumhlanga] Acquisitive poultry group Country Bird early last week said it planned to expand into other parts of southern Africa and wanted to increase its domestic market share through a possible acquisition as it moves to within spitting distance of larger competitors Rainbow and Astral Foods. Read more >> Bidvest Namibia, the commercial services and fishing business, announced late last week that its public offer of 50 719 000 ordinary shares had been oversubscribed. Applications for 54 809 716 shares came in from 676 applicants. Read more >>Radio
Need something to spice up your radio shows? 1Africa has special interest programming, such as enlightening special reports, topical issues and exclusive interviews which they offer for free to FM and AM affiliate radio stations anywhere in Africa. Read more >>"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep." - Scott Adams
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