The Procter & Gamble Co. (P&G) tells private label manufacturer RNA Corp. to keep its distance from Clairol Herbal Essences shampoo's intellectual property. 25 Aug 2008

China has apparently blocked access to Apple iTunes, perhaps in response to the publicity surrounding a pro-Tibet album that was released about a month ago and just recently made its way onto the much-trafficked website. 25 Aug 2008

Japanese video game giant Nintendo has been hit with a lawsuit alleging patent infringement. 22 Aug 2008

The US federal courts have embraced various interpretations of patent law as it applies to business methods over the years. With In re Bilski, heard 8 May, the court again took up the issue, and its ruling will have a major impact on patent law, writes Greg Reilly of Morrison & Foerster. 21 Aug 2008

Just because open-source software is free, doesn't mean that you can change it. 15 Aug 2008

If the video game watchdog group What They Play has it right, parents are more worried about their kids being exposed to adult-themed video games than they are about kids drinking alcohol or viewing pornography. Some have questioned the study's use of "Grand Theft Auto IV" as an example; the researchers say they had to pick a specific, known game in order to avoid misleading survey takers. 14 Aug 2008

Hard-pressed consumers will no longer have to carry any costs of payment distribution following an agreement between the National Credit Regulator (NCR) and credit providers regarding the cost of distribution of payments to credit providers. 12 Aug 2008