Microsoft is taking legal action against Barnes & Noble for patent infringement by its 'Nook' Android-based eBook reader. The action also includes device manufacturers Foxconn International Holdings and Inventec Corporation. It follows last year's patent agreement that covered HTC mobile phones running the Android platform.

The disputed patents cover a number of functions in the Android user interface.

Last year, brand valuation consultancy Brand Finance calculated that Wal-mart was the world's most-valuable brand. Google was in second place, while Vodafone - in 7th place - was the top-ranked telecoms brand.

This year's Brand Finance 'Global 500' report sees Google taking the top spot with its brand now worth over $44 billion. Microsoft was second… and Vodafone, in fifth place, remained the top telecoms brand.

Facebook has made a deal to acquire Snaptu, a London-based mobile application developer with a focus on 'non-smart' handsets.

The two companies co-operated earlier this year on the Facebook for Feature Phones app, which works on more than 2,500 devices.

Big news from the USA. Network operator AT&T has agreed to acquire T-Mobile USA from Deutsche Telekom in a deal that's worth around $39 billion. In addition, Deutsche Telekom will end up owning around 8% of AT&T.

The joint venture will be the country's largest mobile network, approaching 130 million customers.

Mark Bridge writes:

"It's political correctness gone mad, innit?"  The terms and conditions for booking tickets to the London 2012 Olympic Games include a warning that certain items are banned. Food, flasks of drink, umbrellas, musical instruments and mobile phones are all on the prohibited list.