Tuesday newspaper round-up: Euro, Apple, Google

19th Apr 2011 06:05

The euro fell amid fears that a public backlash against "squanderer" member states could de-rail Brussels' radical plans to avert the mounting sovereign debt crises. The embattled currency fell to as low as $1.4155 at one point as traders ignored Greece's denials that it needs to restructure its debt; Ireland's banks were cut to junk status; and Portugal's planned bailout was threatened by a possible veto from Finland, writes the Telegraph.Apple has filed its first lawsuit over patents and trademarks for the technology and appearance of its iPad tablet computer, accusing Samsung Electronics of copying the look and feel of the hit product. The federal case filed on Friday in San Jose district court claims the South Korean manufacturer violated 10 iPhone and iPad-related patents in Samsung's Android-based smartphones and Galaxy Tab, the first serious iPad competitor to emerge late last year, according to the Financial Times.Some of the world's most prestigious brand names are to fight a legal battle in the High Court over Google search terms. Cartier, Montblanc and Alfred Dunhill - all part of the Richemont group - are so keen to protect their online rights that they have filed a claim in the High Court, accusing retailer Aspinal of London of effectively "riding on their coat-tails". They claim Aspinal is guilty of trademark infringement by buying up Google and Yahoo search terms - or "adwords" - which include their brand names but divert customers to the retailer's website, says the Independent.Philips has given a strong hint that it is considering switching off its loss-making television business by unveiling plans to hive off the division into a joint venture. The Dutch electronics giant, which posted a 31 per cent fall in quarterly profits yesterday, said that its TV operations would now be run in a long-term partnership with a Chinese company, TPV Technology, says the Independent.Pound shops, discount fashion chains and fast-food outlets are moving into shopping centres in increasing numbers, changing the face of Britain's malls. Budget brands Poundland, Peacocks, Card Factory and Greggs are among those showing the fastest growth in tenancies since 2008, according to a report from retail consultants Trevor Wood Associates, the Guardian reports.The UK's ninth largest building society will have to pay £51m to thousands of elderly customers after mis-selling investment products in collapsed firm Keydata Investment Services. Norwich and Peterborough Building Society was also fined £1.4m by the Financial Services Authority, says the Daily Mail.ASOS faces a legal challenge over the launch of its website in Germany amid claims the brand will cause confusion among shoppers. German menswear chain Anson's Herrenhaus has asked a Hamburg court to ban the use of the Asos website, alleging the similarities between the names could damage the brand, the Daily Express reports.Please note: Digital Look provides a round-up of news, tips and information that is impacting share prices and the market. Digital Look cannot take any responsibility for information provided by third parties. This is for your general information only as not intended to be relied upon by users in making an investment decision or any other decision. Please obtain a copy of the relevant publication and carry out your own research before considering acting on any of this information.---RG