NCLT approves recall of Zee-Sony merger order, allowing ZEEL to withdraw the scheme

Probe finds Amazon, Walmart's Flipkart breach competition laws in India

Microsoft lays off 650 Xbox employees; cites cost cutting, integration efforts

GenAI emerges as top priority for APAC C-Suite leaders, Salesforce study reveals

Google: Knowledge sets you free or deeper to monopoly?

Meet the female trailblazers at the top of the world's most famous ad agency - Ogilvy

Representational image via Unsplash

'Brand Tax': Experts urge for clear guidelines, say 'brand subscription fee' can hinder innovation, growth

Why are Indian brands advertising in NYC's Times Square?

What Herman Melville’s Moby-Dick teaches us about leadership

Advertising is in the position where tobacco was: IPG's Arun Kumar 

Biz Moves: Interactive Avenues, Verve Media, Foxymoron and Grapes

There is an opportunity for building a better agency, not just a different one: Manja's Prajato Guha

Virat Kohli-backed Wrogn’s revenue down 29% in FY24

Meet the executive team driving Ola's electric ambitions in post-IPO world

DPDP Act draft rules expected within two weeks; transition period likely to be restricted to 6 months

Tamil Nadu examining Australia-like gaming policy, video game industry tight-lipped

Piyush Pandey

Exclusive: Major leadership rejig at Nestle India; Rajat Jain to get significant role within group

Meghalaya becomes first Indian state to sponsor an esports team

Indian broadcasters' Himalayan challenge in Nepal

Big salary gaps in Indian communications: Freshers start low, women hit glass ceiling

Infosys, ITC, Titan, Biocon: Industry leaders join Storyboard18’s Share The Spotlight movement

Nobody’s Perfect Retro Porsche Ad

In Conversation With Raja Rajamannar, Mastercard

Shahid Kapoor And Varun Ganjoo Speaks On PokerBaazi's Campaign

In conversation with IHCL’s Puneet Chhatwal & GroupM’s Kate Scott-Dawkins

Why are brands including e-sports in their sports marketing itinerary?

Storyboard18 x The English Nut: How to pronounce these 10 brand names

Experts' Take On Reinvention Of Ad Campaigns Through Technology

Experts Speak On Key Emerging Trends In Cannes Lions Entries

Leaders of the future have to be outstanding human beings: Nestle MD

In conversation with VMLY&R’s Hari Ramanathan

Don’t fly into a rage. Don’t rant on LinkedIn. Don’t be passive aggressive. Neither, be manic depressive. Don’t comfort eat. Don’t hit the bottle. Don’t do drugs. Don’t kick animals. Don’t rage quit. Don’t unalive yourself. Don’t unalive your CD. Just, don’t. Simply, be. 



It’s not a personal attack. Yes, we pour ourselves into our work. But our work like our children, comes through us, and this is an important but, it is not us. 



Like our children, our ideas can be quite charming, alternatively, sometimes, they need manners taught. And here’s the thing. Unlike children, sometimes, no matter how good an idea is, it’s not the right one for the task at hand. 



This, is what separates the children, from the adults in the creative department. 



Yes, creativity is a thing that we worship at the altar of. And yes, ordinarily, a gorilla on a drum kit waiting to crash into the cataclysmic solo of Phil Collins’ ‘In The Air Tonight’ ought not to be anywhere near a brand. Least of all Cadbury. 



However, when it is and please frame this word, ‘relevant’ then it could be the only thing you need. 



A good creative leader knows when the bridge between a consumer and a brand can be crossed. And when it can’t be. And when the idea you have on the table, is magnificent from a purely creative point of view. And yet, it will simply not, Worli and Bandra, link. 



So when your creative director is saying no, even when you have a fantastic idea, see it from his or her eyes. Understand what they’re seeing and trying to show you. Anxiety is a thing among all generations in Creative, I don’t see why Gen Z alone should have the monopoly on it. Any creative endeavour by virtue of us offering up our work for scrutiny is enough to trigger the butterflies in the best of us. At any and every point in our career. So when they’re saying the work doesn’t work, trust their judgement. They’re trying to guide you to a better place. 



If you see it from your Creative Leader’s point of view, a few coffees later, you should automatically recalibrate and find a whole new horizon that leads into entirely new thoughts and ultimately, ever more powerful ideas on the creative scale and the perfectly working one on the ‘does it work for this brief’ scale. 



That’s the hardest one to swallow for most mid to senior creatives and the rejection has to be done with a fine mix of empathy, passion and inspiration. You can’t critique it randomly, you have to persuade the creator to see where it’s meandered off brief and simultaneously create a new flight plan for a new runway of possibilities . 



Junior to mid creatives have other issues on the way up. The most common fallacy is thinking what you’ve thought of, is the hottest thing since Bernbach. But, if your Group Head has spent any time at all in this biz, there’s nothing more humbling than realising most ideas were done way, way before you were born, on bigger budgets than you can dream of, with better execution skills than you can dream of (yes, even with AI) and because the trails of creativity are eerily similar from the same start points, your idea is up against every idea, every creative team has created from the 1960s onwards. 



And so, chances are you’ll hear this, ‘it’s been done’ phrase and I know it gets your goat especially for the young ones for whom there simply isn’t this thing called the past. 



Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/inspiraytion-advertising-is-a-discipline-that-uses-many-mediums-37570.htm">InspiRAYtion: Advertising is a discipline, that uses many mediums</a>



But, there is. So be a student of what happened and when. Know that everything builds on continuity. Every campaign that wins at Cannes, builds upon the titans of the past and so jurors see it as a fresh new breath of air. And reward it accordingly. Use the past, to illuminate your future. Find new trails, or forge your own. Doctoral students push the boundaries of all human knowledge ahead one thesis at a time. Advertising practitioners especially creatives, push our collective stories ahead, one imaginative leap at a time. 



Tomorrow when you get into work, lighten up about rejection. One day, you’ll see it for what it is, a stepping stone to stardom. Help your creative leader help you. They want to be a ‘friend of the new’. Be a creative’s creative. You’ll realise ideas are infinite within you and automatically spout ever more where you think things have dried up. And that, will take you places. To the top generally. 



Caveat: I’m talking about the CDs who actually want to grow you, and make you the best version of yourself you can be. The ones who want to stifle you, the ones who are horribly insecure and political animals, tend to be present as well and sadly, that’s a level of pain to be endured for as long as it takes to find good people to work with. Recognising who’s who, will help you considerably in your career path and learning. 



And there’s something I’m going to leave you with. Never delete an idea. Put it in your file, stash it away in your cloud storage. Because one day, each and every one of those ideas will find the perfect brief to be presented for again. And on occasion, they will fly and soar into the world as they were meant to the first time around in your head. But, this time, they will be so so right for the brief. 


My best wishes for you to stick around long enough for that to happen. Enjoy the ride!


Rayomand J Patell is an advertising veteran and InspiRAYtion is a weekend column on everything about advertising and marketing.

InspiRAYtion Seven:  What to do when your creative leader rejects your work

Generative AI (GEN AI) has swiftly climbed the ranks of business priorities, with 83% of C-suite executives across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region now placing it among their top three concerns, according to new research by Salesforce.

The study which surveyed 1,243 leaders from large organizations, highlighted that 54% of businesses already have a clear Gen AI strategy, while 40% are in the process of developing one.

The findings point to key drivers behind this AI push, with the desire to innovate customer and employee experiences (44%) and meet rising customer expectations for faster, more personalized service (44%) topping the list. Boosting productivity and efficiency also remains a central motivator, noted by 43% of executives. 

In terms of leadership accountability, CEOs are seen as most responsible for ensuring successful integration of Gen AI, according to 37% of respondents. Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) follow closely at 25%, with department heads accounting for 19%.

When asked where Gen AI would create the most positive impact, APAC executives pointed to information technology (42%), operations(31%), customer service (30%), and research and insights (28%).

Despite its broad adoption, 93% of APAC executives acknowledged that significant barriers still impede Gen AI's full integration. The most common challenges include accessibility and inclusivity (37%), lack of skill-building opportunities (31%), incomplete customer or company data for AI training (30%), concerns over AI tools delivering inaccurate results (30%), and cost to implement Gen AI tools (30%).

Industry-wide Growth

The Salesforce study aligns with a broader trend revealed in Capgemini's "Harnessing the Value of Generative AI 2nd edition" report, which indicates that 80% of organizations are increasing their investments in Gen AI into business operations has surged, with 24% of companies having integrated AI across various functions - a significant jump from just 6% last year.

Retail, in particular, has seen a notable rise in AI deployment, with implementation growing to 40%, more than doubling the figure from 2023.

European Union privacy regulator has now opened an inquiry into Google’s artificial intelligence (AI) model, Pathways Language Model 2 (PaLM2). The regulator is probing whether the search engine of the tech giant is has adequately protected European Union users' personal data before using it to help develop its foundational AI Model.

Ireland's Data Protection Commission (DPC), the lead EU regulator for most of the top U.S. internet firms said that the probe concerned the Alphabet Inc (GOOGL.O), opens new tab unit's Pathways Language Model 2 (PaLM 2).

As Google's European operations are headquartered in Dublin, the Irish DPC serves as the tech giant's lead authority under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the EU's strict data privacy framework. The commission stated that the investigation will focus on whether Google properly evaluated whether PaLM2’s data processing presents a “high risk to the rights and freedoms of individuals” in the EU.

Similarly, Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, suspended plans to use content from European users to train its latest language model. This move followed extensive discussions with Irish regulators, highlighting the pressure tech giants face in ensuring compliance with EU data laws. 

Other countries in the EU have also taken action. Italy’s data privacy regulator temporarily banned ChatGPT in 2022 due to privacy violations, only allowing its return after OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, agreed to implement measures addressing the regulator's concerns.

EU regulators to probe Google over its AI model, raises privacy concerns

Uber, India’s ridesharing app announced the launch of its upscale Uber Black category, starting with Mumbai today. This new addition is a step towards addressing the growing preference of Indian customers towards premium offerings.

 
Uber Black offers a range of features designed to elevate the ride with unparalleled comfort, style and convenience, stated the company.

The features are:


● Brand new, higher end cars to ensure consistent vehicle quality

● Top rated drivers, trained by our fleet partners

● In-app experience while booking the ride to keep passenger comfort front & centre

● On-demand mobility for those who desire a well-appointed experience

 

Prabhjeet Singh, President, Uber India and South Asia, said, “We are thrilled to bring Uber Black back in an all new avatar to meet the evolving aspirations of Indian customers and introduce the business class of back seats on Indian roads. As the largest on-demand mobility network with industry-leading matching, routing, and pricing tech and scaled fleet operations - we are bringing the magic of consistent high quality service and premium comfort with Black. As India’s leading multimodal mobility service, Uber endeavors to cater to the full spectrum of riders, from those seeking affordable rides on two or three wheels to those who desire a truly well-appointed experience in premium vehicles.”



Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/uber-rewards-riders-with-high-ratings-in-latest-campaign-35548.htm">Uber rewards riders with high ratings in latest campaign</a>

Uber reintroduces its high-end category in India

McCann Worldgroup has been appointed as the global creative agency for Italian lager Peroni Nastro Azzuro. 


As stated by McCann Worldgroup, they will take on the task of delivering a long-term, global core creative platform that will serve as the foundation for Peroni Nastro Azzurro’s consistent brand narrative across multiple consumer touchpoints and markets. 

 
On the appointment, Nathalie Pfaff, Chief Growth Officer at Asahi Europe & International said, “Creatively and strategically, McCann impressed the team over the course of a rigorous pitch process and we’re excited to start this next chapter of growth together.”

 
Javier Campopiano, Global CCO of McCann Worldgroup and McCann added “To be entrusted with taking this incredible brand to its next phase has energized and inspired our entire team at McCann Worldgroup. Peroni Nastro Azzurro is the brew of choice in Italy, and we’re excited about ensuring that it captures the hearts of beer drinkers around the world.”

 
And McCann London CEO Polly McMorrow said: “There is a reality that some pitches just mean more. And this one means more. Peroni Nastro Azzurro is an iconic brand, led by a brilliant team of people. The opportunity to work with them to deliver an enduring brand platform that will not only honour the heritage of this brand, but also drive its future growth across key markets, is a unique one. We can’t wait to get started.”



Peroni onboards McCann Worldgroup as its global creative partner

Its curtains for Vistara. The airline is being merged with Air India on November 11, bidding goodbye to its many patrons and admirers. This move has been in the works for a while, so it's not exactly a surprise, but it's still an unusual step, one that would have given the Tatas much to think about before finally pulling the plug on Vistara.


Post mergers and acquisitions, it is not uncommon for companies to choose a single brand out of the options they have. It makes financial sense, lends focus, makes investment decisions easier, and simplifies the business. What stands out here is the fact that, in spite of being a younger brand, Vistara is a far more well-regarded brand than Air India.


Popularity of Brand Vistara


In an industry where building a good reputation is notoriously difficult, Vistara is seen by many as India’s best airline. One has only to look at Indigo to appreciate just how easy it is for a brand to lose lustre. Indigo started out extremely well, but the pressure of growth seems to have taken a toll if one goes. By the many tales of woe that passengers have been narrating of late. Vistara, on the other hand, is seen to have maintained its level of service; its food is unusually well thought of, going by airline standards, and overall it is seen as a premium and responsive brand.


Brand Air India Struggles 


Air India, on the other hand, is anything but. Plagued by decades of mismanagement at the hands of the government, this once prestigious carrier is in reputational tatters. It suffers from many of the problems that legacy public sector brands do: old infrastructure, ageing employees used to a culture of indifference, political interference at every step, and financial mismanagement. In terms of image, Air India is a brand that, barring a few diehard supporters, is not by means preferred. Its shortcomings have been exposed even more once the sector has seen the influx of private sector brands.

Even in the few years since its takeover by the Tatas, the brand is struggling. To be sure, improvements have been made, new aircraft are being added, and the food is getting some attention, but none of these have moved the needle significantly enough. To be fair, it is not easy for such a large organisation with such a long history to turn smartly on its heels and do an about turn. Change is going to be a long and arduous process, and no easy short cuts are available.


That makes this particular decision even trickier than it would have been otherwise.


Is Merger A Good Idea? 


Here we have a really popular and liked brand being sacrificed at the altar of another, which is old, frayed around the edges, and one that is difficult to change quickly. Wouldn’t it have been smarter to continue with both brands? After all, Air India Express and AIX (formerly Air Asia) already exist; couldn’t another brand have been kept in the portfolio? In theory, the idea of simplifying the business and achieving financial and operational efficiency makes sense, particularly since even Vistara was not making profits, but in reality, is a valuable asset being lost?


The problem with this argument is that it ignores the potential value of the Air India brand. It is not just another name, but one that carries with it the aspirations of the nation. It represents the country; owning this brand is not just a matter of profits but also one of pride and prestige. For the Tatas in particular, given that they built this brand at its inception and have been trying to regain control over it for a long time now, it is a matter of responsibility. At a certain level, having acquired the brand, they have no option but to back it fully, however onerous the task. The question of running both brands, with Air India being the lower-cost option, simply does not arise, not for practical reasons but for emotional ones.


Vistara, for all its premiumness, simply does not have the depth resonance that an Air India has. Yes, it is true that a lot of the early promise of the brand has been squandered away, but in the long run, it is a brand that needs to be revived and restored to its former glory. This seemingly perverse decision by the Tatas is rooted in the long term and is seen from the lens of promise rather than leverage. The smarter thing might be to retain Vistara, but letting it go might turn out to be wiser. In the long run, a vibrant and well-run Air India is an invaluable asset, however difficult the task seems at the moment.


While brands are business assets and need to be viewed from the lens of business metrics, that is not all that they are. They connect with us in deeper, more subterranean ways. They speak to our underlying needs and motivations and have the power to symbolise much more than what the product offers on the surface. Air India is potentially much more than an airline. As the nation progresses, it can be a tangible sign of the best that it has to offer.


The Tatas have taken on a challenge by backing Air India. As a business group, they are perhaps the most equipped to handle this, but all eyes will be on them. They cannot afford to get it wrong.


Santosh Desai is columnist, author and brand consultant. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication.

Ta-ta Vistara: With Air India-Vistara merger, it's curtains for the popular brand

The All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) has written to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting criticising Prasar Bharati for inviting private sector satellite TV channels to onboard its upcoming OTT platform.

The industry body for multiple system operators (MSOs), which has member companies including DEN Network, Hathway, and Hinduja Global Solutions, has said that the move is against its own uplinking and downlinking guidelines.

“Prasar Bharati vide its letter dated August 5, 2024, has issued a NIA (Notice Inviting Application) to all the linear satellite TV channels for on-boarding on their OTT platform. The above NIA by Prasar Bharati is promoting broadcasters to violate clause 11(3) (f) of the Uplinking & Downlinking guidelines dated November 9, 2022 and its subsequent amendment dated March 24, 2023,” the AIDCF said in the letter.

According to an ET report, the letter was addressed to Secretary Sanjay Jaju and urged the Ministry to provide clear directions to broadcasters to provide satellite TV channels only to licensed service providers including MSOs, DTH services, internet protocol television providers and headend in the sky operators.

The AIDCF also accused the broadcasters of misinterpreting existing regulations by stating that national broadcaster Prasar Bharati was outside the purview of regulator TRAI regulations and the federal law, Cable TV Act.

AIDCF alleged that as per law satellite TV channels cannot be part of Prasar Bharati’s proposed OTT platform and can only provide their channels’ signals to registered DPOs.

It further highlighted that many streaming applications were mushrooming due to absence of any regulation or guidelines and will, thus, escape any regulatory vigilance as they were neither registered with MIB nor are reporting their server details/subscriber details to the government.

In its Content Sourcing Policy, released on August 9, the pubcaster said, "Prasar Bharati may explore the possibilities of on-boarding the Linear Satellite Channels and FAST Channel (Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV) for the OTT Platform. The initial period of such on-boarding will be One year and Prasar Bharati reserves the right to modify It based on the learning and market feedback."

Read more: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/how-it-works/prasar-bharati-releases-content-sourcing-policy-for-linear-channels-digital-platforms-including-ott-39345.htm">Exclusive: Prasar Bharati releases Content Sourcing Policy; reveals policies for upcoming OTT</a>


AIDCF also noted that if private broadcasters were allowed to join Prasar Bharati’s upcoming OTT platform it would kill the distribution platform operators completely and urged the Ministry to direct the pubcaster to withdraw the office memo on onboarding satellite TV channels.

AIDCF criticises Prasar Bharati for onboarding private TV channels for its OTT; writes to MIB

Australia’s workforce is experiencing a significant shift following the introduction of the ‘Right to Disconnect’ law, a legislation aimed at promoting better work-life balance by empowering employees to disengage from work-related communications post working hours. This law marks a pivotal change in the Australian employment landscape, where digital connectivity had increasingly blurred the lines between professional and personal life. 


What is the 'Right To Disconnect' law?


Australia has implemented new legislation on August 26, advancing workers' rights by allowing employees the right to disconnect from work-related communications after their designated work hours. Employees are now protected from disciplinary actions for not responding to calls, messages, or emails from their employers outside of their regular working hours.

 
Storyboard18 reached out to a few working professionals in Australia for their perspective on the new law. 

 
A clinical research manager at Tigermed Australia, who requested anonymity, shared an enthusiastic perspective. “Australia’s new law is definitely a very positive step towards improving work-life balance and keeping our mental health in check. It is such a welcoming change and rightfully allows you to disengage from work-related communications,” she shared. The law acknowledges the importance of boundaries and personal time, allowing a healthier work environment with less burnout. Further praising the law, she stated, “The work culture in Australia, based on my experience, has generally encouraged employees to disconnect from work during non-office hours, but for the people who did not have this luxury, it will result in a happier work environment overall.” 

 
However, not everyone sees the law through an entirely positive lens. Mazher Mogul, a Senior Bank Officer, outlined both the benefits and drawbacks he perceives. He mentioned, “There will be a better balance between work and personal life. If anyone wants to pursue a hobby, or let’s say go for a physical well-being activity, this law rightfully lets them do it without them worrying about missing any important work-related communication.” 


But every coin has two sides. Mogul also underlined the not-so-good part about the law, “There could be an event when there’s unfinished work that could be carried over to the next day. There’ll be risks of failing to meet targets, eventually leading to a possible decline in client/customer satisfaction.” He also pointed out how the likelihood of missing deadlines could damage the brand and result in the loss of potential and existing clients. 

 
Mustafa Netterwala, Senior Manager at a leading consultancy services firm, emphasized the positive aspects of the law, “By allowing the employees to set boundaries and disconnect from work outside of their official hours, the law promotes a healthier and more sustainable work environment.” 

 
However, Netterwala also acknowledged potential pitfalls, “There may be challenges in defining what constitutes ‘reasonable’ contact outside of office hours, potentially leading to disputes between employers and employees.” 

 
As Australia navigates the early days of this new law, its success and the balance it aims to achieve will primarily depend on careful implementation and enforcement. Both employers and employees will need to adapt to these changes, which could redefine the nature of work in an increasingly connected world.

Unplugging Down Under: Working professionals react to Australia’s new law

Mark Green, who was the co-founder and chief executive officer of Australia based creative agency, The Monkeys and who currently leads Accenture Song's Australia and New Zealand operations as president, has been named the global CEO of Droga5. He will assume the role starting in October 2024 and will relocate to New York city. 


In 2017, The Monkeys was acquired by Accenture. And in 2019, Accenture bought Droga5. On December 1, 2024, The Monkeys will rebrand as Droga5. In his new role, Green will work closely with the global chief creative officer Pelle Sjoenell, as stated in a media report, to oversee all Droga5 creative offices around the world, which includes Dublin, London, New York, São Paulo and Tokyo.


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/cxo-moves-exec-movements-across-caratlane-apple-licious-and-more-41026.htm">CXO Moves: Exec movements across CaratLane, Apple, Licious and more</a>

Droga5 names Mark Green as its global CEO

At Intel, diversity, equity, and inclusion have been key drivers of success. To achieve greater gender representation, the company goes beyond global programs and initiatives by implementing a deliberate strategy in its hiring process. 

As Roshni Das, Vice President, Global Marketing Innovation and India Region Marketing, at Intel Corporation, explains, the company ensures that a woman is always part of the interview panel to eliminate bias and promote fair hiring practices for new talent.

Speaking at Storyboard18’s Share The Spotlight event in Bengaluru, Das also highlighted Intel's policy for gender and pay parity. 

"Since 2019, Intel has looked at that role for the number of years of experience, regardless of what your pay package is today, we pay what you should be drawing for that scope of job instead of looking at what you are currently withdrawing," she said.

Being a strong advocate for women in tech, Das also believes that "we (women in leadership roles) have the responsibility of paying it forward. We have to be the change we want to see."

Additionally, she suggested, "I tell most young women to focus on your right to education, focus on your right to economic independence. And then, find the right partner- to have the right support ecosystem and somebody that's always rooting for you."

Professionally, Das advised that as one evolves as a leader, one should also become a player and a coach for the team.

At the event, Das shared the spotlight with Shenaz Bapooji, founder of Skyful and Aditi Nanda, Chief of Staff at Intel India. 

Bapooji, who brings with her over 30 years of marketing and brand-building expertise, shared qualities that have helped her grow in her career. 

"I am a very passionate individual, very driven. I've never had to wait for people to tell me what to do. But what's kept me going is self-belief. And this whole idea that the world can be a better place. Leave your mark in whichever way you can and in the process, be kind. A lot of leaders lack compassion," she said.

Nanda, who believes in humanising tech problems, shared that breaking down problems into smaller bits really helps.

"As a technologist you see the problem for its bits but when you break it down to its lowest denominator, it's easy to kind of find the answer and move forward from there," she said.

Concluding the discussion on how to best operate in the tech space that has traditionally been male-dominated, Nanda said, "Say yes to all sorts of things that come your way. You learn on the way. I think it is also ensuring that you bring the best version of yourself to work. And that leaves behind the gender part of it completely."

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/tags/share-the-spotlight">Read more: Share The Spotlight</a>

Women at the top have the responsibility to pay it forward, says Roshni Das of Intel

American athletic footwear and apparel corporation Nike has slashed its total workforce by two percent or more than 1,600 jobs. Due to weaker profits this year, the sports giant has initiated cost cutting measures like layoffs. 


Since consumers have cut back on non-essential spending, Nike’s competitors, Adidas, Puma and JD Sports, too have highlighted weaker earnings.


In December 2023, Nike presented a $ 2 billion savings plan for the next three years. This included tightening the supply of some products, improving supply chain, reducing the layers of management and increasing automation use.


In the third quarter, Nike had announced that it would incur about $400 million to $450 million in employee severance costs. According to a company filing, as per March 31, 2023, Nike had 83,700 employees.


However, the layoffs would not impact employees in stores or distribution centres or those in its innovation team.


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/nike-appoints-nicole-hubbard-graham-as-its-new-cmo-17363.htm">Nike appoints Nicole Hubbard Graham as its new CMO</a>

Layoffs at the Big Swoosh: Nike slashes 2 percent of global workforce; 1600 jobs

Due to weaker profits this year, the sports giant has initiated cost cutting measures.

The National Basketball Association (NBA), ACG and the Basketball Federation of India (BFI), the governing body of basketball in the country announced the launch of the ACG Jr. NBA program, a nationwide 3v3 tournament for the top U-14 players across India and the largest school-based basketball program in the country. Skechers, the global performance and lifestyle footwear and apparel brand, will serve as the official kit partner of the program and provide high-quality gear for the participants.

The ACG Jr. NBA program will feature boys’ and girls’ divisions with teams representing schools from across the country and tip off on Tuesday, September 24 with tournaments in Chennai and Mumbai before visiting Aizawl, Delhi, Kolkata and Ludhiana. The top eight boys’ and girls’ teams from each city will then compete in a league phase within each city that will see the top three boys’ and girls’ teams and one all-star team from each of the boys’ and girls’ divisions advance to the league finals early next year.  The dates of the remaining city tournaments and league phases, and the dates and location of the league finals, will be announced at a later date.  Schools can register to participate by visiting this link.

In addition to the ACG Jr. NBA program, the collaboration aims to enhance youth basketball development at the local level, expand elite talent identification nationally, and provide new development opportunities for players, coaches and referees at all levels.  The collaboration builds on the prior association between the NBA and ACG that included the launch of ACG-NBA Jump, a nationwide basketball talent search program, and marks the first time BFI will serve as an ACG Jr. NBA partner.

 
The Jr. NBA program has reached more than 14 million youth and 15,000 physical education instructors across 35 cities in India since 2013. The ACG Jr. NBA program is part of the NBA’s broader basketball development initiatives in India that include NBA Basketball School, a network of tuition-based basketball development programs open to male and female players ages 6-18, and Basketball Without Borders Asia, the NBA and FIBA’s global basketball development and community outreach program that has been held in India twice. 

NBA, ACG, BFI, and Skechers bring basketball to Indian schools

E-commerce giant Amazon India gears up for the country's festive season, creating over 1.1 lakh seasonal job opportunities across its operation network. 

The online retailer said that the hiring includes both direct and indirect job roles, including thousands of women associates and nearly 1,900 persons with disabilities.

Besides, Amazon India also reduced selling fees by 3-12% for 59 product sub-categories on the marketplace last week.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/gig-hiring-to-soar-by-20-during-festive-season-this-year-ecommerce-leads-trend-indeed-data-41473.htm">Gig hiring to soar by 20% during festive season this year, ecommerce leads trend: Indeed data</a>

The seller fee has been reduced by 9% for home furnishing products, by 8% for indoor lighting, and by 8% for home products.

Other e-commerce platforms have announced hiring in view of the festive season recently. Meesho has announced the enablement of 8.5 lakh seasonal job opportunities within its seller and logistics network.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/amazon-slashes-seller-fees-by-3-12-ahead-of-festive-season-40594.htm">Amazon slashes seller fees by 3-12% ahead of festive season</a>

Last week, Indeed data projected a 20% rise in seasonal hiring in the current calendar year as compared to the previous year.

E-commerce, logistics, retail, quick commerce, BFSI, tourism and hospitality, and manufacturing companies will expand the job hiring in the upcoming days to scale up revenue during the festive season, the report said.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/users-rise-by-22-percent-on-top-five-quick-commerce-apps-during-pre-festive-period-tonic-worldwides-gipsi-41471.htm">22 percent rise in users on quick commerce apps during pre-festive period: Tonic Worldwide's GIPSI report</a>

There is a 22 percent rise in users on India’s top five quick commerce apps in pre-festive 2024, Tonic Worldwide's insights division, GIPSI said in its The Festive Report part 2.

There were 2.2 million more searches for sales in pre-festive 2024 compared to pre-festive 2023 indicating that consumers anticipate festive sales and try to make the most of the period, the report added.

Amazon India creates over 1.1 lakh seasonal job opportunities ahead of festive season

Lay’s has become an Official Sponsor of both the FIFA World Cup 26 and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027. This marks a global extension of Frito-Lay’s role as a Regional Supporter during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and as a Tournament Supporter at the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.


As Official Sponsor, Lay’s, alongside a portfolio of food brands, including Doritos, Cheetos, Tostitos, Ruffles, Cracker Jack, PopCorners, Quaker and Gamesa, will bring fans closer to the game with exclusive experiences, merchandise, consumer activations and more.


On announcing the deal, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “We’re delighted to extend this partnership with Lay’s and strengthen our collaboration as we head into a historic period for FIFA and the wider football community. After being involved in the last FIFA World Cup and FIFA Women’s World Cup, we’re proud that Lay’s has shared in our trust, vision and ideas for the development of the global game and has joined us on this journey into the future. Together, we will create special experiences for fans worldwide.”


“Joining FIFA as a regional sponsor in 2022 was a landmark moment for Frito-Lay, and we’re incredibly proud to have laid the groundwork for the next step of making our partnership global,” said Steven Williams, CEO of Frito-Lay and Quaker North America. “The Lay’s brand has a long history of bringing fans together through a shared love for the game, and we look forward to creating even more iconic moments as we continue to use our brands to unite and inspire FIFA World Cup and FIFA Women’s World Cup fans all over the world.”


The FIFA World Cup 26 will be the first edition to feature 48 teams and to be hosted across three countries – Canada, Mexico and the United States – while the FIFA Women’s World Cup will be held in South America for the first time in 2027. With the two tournaments set to make history, 


The brand will break new ground at both tournaments by recognising and rewarding the “Fan of the Match” at every match.


Additionally, Lay’s, and the full portfolio of food brands, will engage fans on a global scale via in-store and digital promotions leading up to the FIFA World Cup 26 and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027. The brands will also be prominently featured on the pitch at every match through LED stadium display board exposure and press conference backdrops. Going beyond the stadiums, Lay’s and the iconic food portfolio will deliver immersive consumer experiences at FIFA official fan zones across host cities.


Jane Wakely, Chief Consumer and Marketing Officer and Chief Growth Officer, International Foods – Lay’s added: “Partnering with FIFA marks a significant milestone for our business and ambition to embed Lay’s and our extended portfolio of food brands deeper into football culture. Football is one of the world’s biggest passion points, and this historic partnership allows us to bring the excitement and reach of the FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Women’s World Cup together with the joy and fun of our iconic brands across the world.”


Romy Gai, FIFA’s Chief Business Officer, added: “The growth of Frito-Lay as a trusted partner of FIFA has been brilliant to see and we’re excited about where we can take this collaboration next as it goes truly global. The FIFA World Cup and FIFA Women’s World Cup are going to be bigger than ever, and Lay’s will be a central part of how fans all over the world enjoy and experience the action.”


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/coincidence-that-we-went-into-of-right-sizing-and-the-messi-announcement-came-atit-mehta-byjus-3552.htm">BYJU'S Atit Mehta on the Messi and FIFA World Cup sponsorship</a>

Lay’s named Official Sponsor of FIFA World Cup 26 & FIFA Women's World Cup 2027

The LIONS Creativity Report has released its definitive rankings. Based on performance from Cannes Lions 2024, the report shows benchmarked work of creative excellence, along with the insights and impact of the results it delivered, demonstrating how the world’s most creative businesses are using creativity as a lever for growth and progress.


Highlights from the rankings include Coca-Cola taking Creative Brand of the Year for the first time, with its brands receiving 17 Lions. 


Manolo Arroyo, EVP and Global Chief Marketing Officer, The Coca‑Cola Company, commented, “The Coca-Cola Company believes creativity is a superpower that drives growth, inspires people and – most importantly – ignites change.” 


WPP was named Creative Company of the Year, with its collaboration with Coca-Cola helping to secure three Gold Lions for ‘Thanks for Coke-Creating’, plus 14 more Lions across four pieces of work. Elsewhere in the rankings, the United States takes the leading spot in the Location rankings, followed by Brazil in second place, moving up a place from 2023, and Germany moves four places up, to reach fifth place.


Simon Cook, CEO, LIONS, said: “The LIONS Creativity Rankings shows creatives and marketers – agencies and brands – the creative marketing that matters, so that they can fuel their pursuit to create better, drive business growth and shift culture. The official rankings are a celebration and a powerful tool for future success, while the report is impact-led and built with analysis from the Lions Awards, to deliver tangible examples of how creativity can drive progress. Congratulations to all those who have ranked this year and have contributed to setting the global creative benchmark. We look forward to releasing the 2024 people rankings, as part of the Talent Report, in November.”


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/quantum-brief/coca-cola-witnessed-robust-growth-in-2023-to-re-invest-significant-chunk-of-capital-investment-23192.htm">Coca-Cola witnessed robust growth in 2023; to re-invest significant chunk of capital investment</a>

2024 LIONS Creativity Report: Coca-Cola wins Creative Brand of the Year for the first time

Acer, one of the brands in the PC industry, announced Bollywood actress Jahnvi Kapoor as the new brand ambassador for Acer India. Kapoor will spearhead the brand’s campaign across multiple channels to showcase how Acer and Acerpure products enable modern living with style.

 

As the face of Acer India, Kapoor will endorse a wide range of Acer’s advanced laptops, Acerpure TVs, and home appliances, including water purifiers and vacuum cleaners. 

 

Harish Kohli, President and Managing Director, Acer India, expressed, "We are delighted to welcome Jahnvi Kapoor to the Acer family. Her vibrant personality and strong connection with the youth make her the perfect voice for our brand. At Acer, we continuously innovate to meet the evolving needs of our customers, and having Jahnvi represent us will help us connect with a broader audience that values quality, innovation, and style in their daily lives."

 

Kapoor stated, "I am truly honored to join the Acer family as their brand ambassador. Acer’s commitment to merging technology with everyday convenience is inspiring. As someone who appreciates both style and functionality, I am excited to represent a brand that embodies these qualities. I look forward to showcasing how Acer’s innovative products elevate how we live and work.”

 

Sudhir Goel, Chief Business Officer, Acer India, commented, "Jahnvi Kapoor’s collaboration with Acer India comes at a pivotal time as we continue to expand our footprint in the Indian market. Her influence and popularity, especially among the youth, align perfectly with our vision of delivering products that not only meet the demands of modern consumers but also inspire a lifestyle defined by technology and elegance."

 

Sooraj Balakrishnan, Associate Director & Head of Marketing, at Acer India, added, "At Acer, we believe in the power of technology to transform lives. Our partnership with Jahnvi Kapoor is a testament to our commitment to bringing innovative and stylish products to our consumers. Jahnvi’s association with Acer and Acerpure will undoubtedly amplify our brand’s presence and help us connect with a younger, tech-savvy audience who are looking for products that combine performance with aesthetics.”


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/acer-group-launches-acerpure-marks-its-entry-into-consumer-electronics-category-31763.htm">Acer Group launches Acerpure; marks its entry into consumer electronics category</a>

Acer India onboards Bollywood actor Jahnvi Kapoor as brand ambassador

EaseMyTrip.com, India’s online travel tech platforms has unveiled marketplace ScanMyTrip.com. It also becomes the first OTA to sell travel services on ONDC Network and buys from it. The new product, ScanMyTrip.com is a marketplace designed to enable OTAs, MSMEs, Travel agents and homestays to list their offering – Flights, Hotels and Homestay on ONDC Network.


EaseMyTrip’s integration with ONDC Network will allow businesses in the travel and tourism sector to leverage the digital infrastructure that ONDC provides.


Rikant Pittie, Co-founder of EaseMyTrip, stated, “We are very excited to build India’s first technology that will bring us one step closer to solving fundamental challenges of thousands of travel service providers. By integrating ScanMyTrip.com with ONDC Network, we are ensuring that every travel service provider in the ecosystem, from homestays to MSMEs, has the opportunity to thrive in a competitive digital market. Our goal is to provide access to advanced digital tools for businesses of all sizes, helping them scale and reach new customers.”


“EaseMyTrip joining the ONDC network is a pivotal moment in our mission to build a more inclusive and transparent travel ecosystem.” said Mr. Thampy Koshy, MD and CEO , ONDC. “This will not only enhance opportunities for MSMEs and small homestays, it will also help in bringing in an equitable marketplace for all participants and foster healthy competition. This is in line with our mission to streamline and democratise the travel experience and thereby the overall e-commerce for everyone."


Earlier this year, EaseMyTrip signed a Letter of Intent with ONDC during the ‘ONDC Startup Mahotsav’ to be a part of the digital revolution that ONDC is bringing in the ecommerce ecosystem. 


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/easemytrip-introduces-google-wallet-to-elevate-travel-experience-31543.htm">EaseMyTrip introduces Google Wallet to elevate travel experience </a>

EaseMyTrip launches marketplace, ScanMyTrip.com, integrated on ONDC Network

According to the latest International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Wearable Device Tracker data, the global wrist-worn device market shipped 43.7 million units in the second quarter of 2024 (2Q24), a year-over-year (YoY) decrease of 0.7 percent. China significantly outpaced the global wrist-worn device market with 15.5 million units shipped, a YoY increase of 10.9 percent.


The wrist-worn device market includes smartwatches and wristbands. The global smartwatch market shipped 34.7 million units in 2Q 2024, a YoY decrease of 3.2 percent, while China shipped 11.1 million units, a YoY increase of 18.7 percent. The global wristband market shipped 9.0 million units in 2Q24, a YoY increase of 10.6 percent, while China shipped 4.4 million units, a YoY decrease of 4.8 percent.


The growth of the Chinese wrist-worn market is not only exceeding the global market, in the first half of 2024 Chinese manufacturers also maintained a rapid growth rate and a strong market position in the global wrist-worn market. China's 15.5 million shipments in 2Q 2024 outpaced the global wrist-worn device market, marking a 10.9% YoY growth, while overall global shipments saw a slight 0.7 percent decline.


Huawei


Huawei achieved significant growth in 1H24 with the launch of new wristbands and smartwatches which resulted in a 55.1% YoY increase of shipments , leading the global wrist-worn market for two consecutive quarters now. It has made substantial progress in regions such as the Middle East and Africa, Latin America, and Central and Eastern Europe. The new Fit 3 has played an important complementary role in its smartwatch product line, significantly driving the growth of its wrist-worn shipments. In addition, Huawei has been leading China's wrist-worn market since 2021.


Xiaomi


Despite the lack of new wristband products in 1H24, Xiaomi still achieved significant growth and ranked second in terms of global wrist-worn market shipments. This is partly due to the strong performance of its smartphones, and on the other hand, Xiaomi's smartwatches have made breakthroughs in the entry-level and mid-range segments. Its Redmi series has seen significant growth in the entry-level segment with the coexistence of two generations of products, while the S3 watch has made breakthroughs with innovative designs. The Watch 2 series has made progress in the development of high-end smartwatches. Xiaomi's wrist-worn product line is expected to continue to grow with the launch of new wristband products in 2H24.


Apple


Apple's smartwatches have been affected by the global macroeconomic environment and fierce price competition in the market, leading to a decline in shipments. However, it is worth mentioning that Apple still ranks first in the global smartwatch market, which also represents its iconic market position in product development and sales performance. With the upcoming fall new product launch, Apple's next-generation smartwatches will be highly anticipated and are expected to boost its temporarily declining market performance.


Samsung


Samsung's growth in the wrist-worn market mainly comes from its new wristband Galaxy Fit 3, which was launched at the beginning of 2024, effectively complementing its wristwear product line in terms of form, appearance, and price distribution. Galaxy Fit 3 is mainly sold in developing regions, filling the gap in the local wristband market's mid-to-high price segment and significantly increasing shipments. While Samsung's 6th generation smartwatches are entering its late stages, the launch of new products is expected to drive future growth.


BBK


As a kid's watch manufacturer, BBK's significant growth in shipments mainly comes from the recovery of China's kid's watch market, which saw a significant increase in 1H24, thanks to the resumption of social activities, a temporary stabilization of the age-appropriate population, and the impact of replacement cycles. BBK has further expanded its sales advantages in the Chinese market through channel efforts and differentiated pricing strategies, thus achieving significant growth.


The rapid development of the Chinese wrist-worn market is mainly influenced by product price differentiation, promotional season activities, and long-tail terminal consumption.


Product Price Differentiation - Most manufacturers in the wrist-worn market have increased their focus on the supply side, especially on products priced at or below the thousand-yuan level, providing consumers with more choices in terms of price, appearance, brand, and network standards.


Promotional Season Activities - Flagship products of most leading manufacturers have executed varying promotional activities that have generally started earlier than in previous years and which have positively affected shipments.


Long-tail Device Consumption - Consumers are exploring various smart devices, resulting in a diverse and segmented market. Along with the public's increasing focus on health issues, this has brought a broader user base for the development of wrist-worn devices.


”The wrist-worn market has been in a technological accumulation phase for some time, with relatively limited innovative technologies being put into the market. This has made the driving force of the high-end market slightly weak, prompting manufacturers to layout more products in the mid-range to entry-level markets, providing consumers with more choices. On the other hand, it has also narrowed the gap between manufacturers on a global scale, promoting changes in the market structure and providing a buffer opportunity for manufacturers to break through with innovation in the next step,” said Sophie Pan, Research Director, IDC China.


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-makers/spring-capital-invests-in-agilitas-will-help-develop-brand-and-launch-strategies-42018.htm">Spring Capital invests in Agilitas, will help develop brand and launch strategies</a>

China leads global wrist-worn device market

India's dairy brand Amul has won a trademark infringement case against an Italian brand.

Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), owner of Amul filed a lawsuit arguing that the dairy company is a household name in India and has a global reputation, Times of India reported.


On the other hand, Italian company Terre Primitive "blatantly" copied the script, style, and manner of Amul packaging and only added "eti" as a suffix in its name, making it Amuleti, Singh contended.

	
<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/advertising/the-butter-half-how-the-amul-girl-became-the-toast-of-india-41677.htm">The Butter Half: How the Amul girl became the toast of India</a>


Henceforth, the English daily said that the Delhi High Court granted an injunction in favour of Amul, the world's 8th dairy organization. Justice Mini Pushkarna passed the order restraining the Italian firm from using or dealing with any marks identical to "Amul" and directed them to remove infringing products from their website. 

"In the above said circumstances, the plaintiffs have demonstrated a prima facie case for grant of injunction and, in case, no ex parte ad interim injunction is granted, the plaintiffs will suffer an irreparable loss," an Informist media report quoted Delhi HC.

<a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/brand-marketing/amul-tops-as-the-worlds-strongest-food-brand-brand-finance-report-40143.htm">Amul tops as the world’s strongest food brand: Brand Finance report</a>

Additionally, Meta Inc. has ordered to block or delete the social media account of Terre primitive for promoting Amuleti.


GCMMF's managing director, Jayen Mehta, called the order a relief for Amul and an example of protecting indigenous brands from foreign infringement. GCMMF has used the trademark "Amul" for its products since 1958. However, the Italian firm created its website in 2020.

The next hearing of the case is scheduled for January 7, 2025

Amul wins trademark infringement case against Italian brand Amuleti

Global 5G handset shipments grew 20 percent YoY in the first half of 2024, according to the latest research from Counterpoint’s Market Monitor service. India overtook the US to become the world’s second-biggest 5G handset market for the first time, behind China.


Senior Analyst Prachir Singh said, “5G handset shipments have been growing steadily and with the increased availability of 5G handsets in the budget segment, the emerging markets have witnessed high growth in this segment. India became the second-biggest 5G handset market during the first half, overtaking the US. The strong shipments from Xiaomi, vivo, Samsung and other brands in the budget segment were the main reason for this trend. Other emerging markets also witnessed high growth in 5G handsets. Consumers in emerging markets are looking at 5G handsets as an upgrade to their devices, even in the lower price segments.”


“The Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) region was the fastest-growing region, registering 63% YoY growth, driven by high growth in key countries like Mexico and Brazil. The CALA region accounted for 14% of global net adds despite having a 6% 5G shipment share in H1 2024. Asia-Pacific accounted for 63 percent of the overall global net adds and commanded a 58 percent 5G shipment share. In Europe and the Middle East and Africa (MEA) regions also, 5G handset shipments witnessed double-digit growth.”


Apple led the 5G handset shipments globally, accounting for more than 25% share, driven by strong shipments of the iPhone 15 series and 14 series. Samsung followed in the second position, capturing more than 21% share, driven by the Galaxy A series and S24 series. Apple and Samsung took five spots each in the top-10 list for 5G models in the first half of 2024, with Apple taking the top four spots. Xiaomi took the third spot, with India being its major driver. 


Xiaomi registered a triple-digit growth rate in India while also registering a double-digit growth rate in the MEA, Europe and China. For vivo also, India was the major growth driver along with China and emerging Asian economies. Among the top 10 brands, Motorola grew the fastest, posting strong growth in the CALA, India, MEA and North America markets.


Commenting on the near-term outlook for 5G shipments, Research Director Tarun Pathak said, “5G handset contribution to the overall handset market was over 54% in H1 2024, crossing 50% for the first time. As the democratization of 5G handsets increases with increasing 5G penetration in lower price segments as well as increasing expansion of 5G networks, this trend will further grow. The ongoing global premiumization trend will further fuel this growth. According to our market outlook, 5G share will cross 57% in 2024 and 65% in 2025.”


Read More: <a href="https://www.storyboard18.com/digital/google-knowledge-sets-you-free-or-deeper-to-monopoly-42041.htm">Google: Knowledge sets you free or deeper to monopoly?</a>

India overtakes US to become second-biggest 5G handset market: Counterpoint

One month after a judge declared Google’s search engine an illegal monopoly, the tech giant is facing another antitrust lawsuit, this time focused on its advertising technology. This latest lawsuit, filed by the Joe Biden administration, has the potential to reshape the global Adtech industry.

In court, the Department of Justice, joined by several states, argued that Google has built and maintains a monopoly over online advertising technology. Regulators claim that Google controls both the buying and selling sides of online ads, allowing the company to keep up to 36 cents for every dollar spent. They also allege that Google dominates the ad exchange market, which connects advertisers with publishers.

“It’s worth saying the quiet part out loud,” said Justice Department attorney Julia Tarver Wood. “One monopoly is bad enough, but what we have here is a trifecta of monopolies,” she added, as quoted by the Associated Press.

Google, however, argues that the lawsuit is based on outdated technology. Google’s attorney, Karen Dunn, likened the government’s case to “a time capsule with a Blackberry, an iPod, and a Blockbuster video card.” She cautioned that actions taken against Google may not help small businesses and could instead benefit other large tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and TikTok.

Notably, Google’s revenue from its ad tech division has actually decreased in recent years, dropping from $31.7 billion in 2021 to $31.3 billion in 2023, according to its annual reports.

The trial, which began on Monday in Alexandria, Virginia, is being overseen by U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema.

This case follows a recent ruling that declared Google’s search engine a monopoly, along with another case where its Android app store was found to be monopolistic. The government has yet to propose specific remedies for the search engine ruling.

In the Virginia trial, witnesses for the government are expected to include executives from major newspaper publishers and online news sites. They argue that Google’s practices harm publishers by imposing high fees, which forces them to place more ads on their sites or put content behind paywalls.

Tim Wolfe, an executive at Gannett Co., testified that despite the high fees, Gannett feels compelled to use Google’s ad tech products because they provide access to a large pool of advertisers.

In a 2023 blog post, Google stated, “No one is forced to use our advertising technologies—they choose to use them because they work.” The company also highlighted increasing competition in the ad industry as evidence that the market is still dynamic and not solely dominated by Google.

Google disputes the claims of excessive fees and argues that its integrated technology ensures faster ad delivery and improved security. Additionally, the company asserts that the government’s case fails to account for the rise of mobile and social media advertising.

Layoffs at the Big Swoosh: Nike slashes 2 percent of global workforce; 1600 jobs

Due to weaker profits this year, the sports giant has initiated cost cutting measures.

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