The Apple logo is now worth US$39.3 billion, according to a new report by Brand Finance, a London-based consulting company.

Microsoft is down 9% to $39 billion. Google is up 9% to nearly $48.3 billion. But Apple waaaaay up -- 33% -- to overtake, for the first time, Microsoft, IBM, Wal-Mart and General Electric. Google tops the brand value list.

"Apple’s success can be attributed to its innovative design, loyal consumer base and well-executed marketing activities," says Brand Finance. "Naturally there is speculation about how the brand will be impacted by Steve Jobs recent resignation. However with a culture of innovation across the whole business, the brand is likely to continue to hold a strong position in the market."


Read more at http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2011/09/15/apples-brand-value-rises-to-no-2-... .