Google tops table of brands

Google and Apple have topped a league table of brands, holding off fierce competition from other sectors.
Readers of Brandchannel.com cast their votes, and the top 10 for 2003 came out as: Google, Apple, Mini, Coca-Cola, Samsung, Ikea, Nokia, Nike, Sony and Starbucks.
Google and Apple held the same two positions in 2002, though then the top 10 also included car brands BMW and Volkswagen.
The importance and value of branding is an interesting debating point. Clearly a company such as Apple, with its new hardware, well-respected OS, and iPod and iTunes offerings, had a storming year. CEO Steve Jobs was even voted2003 Agenda Setter.
However, translating such recognition and its associated benefits into bottom line improvements is another matter.
The impact of Google's brand could even have an impact on a flotation, should it take place this year.
In Europe, the figures showed Nokia losing the previous year's top spot, now sitting behind furniture-seller Ikea and airline Virgin Atlantic.
The full report can be found here.