Google overtakes Apple as world's top brand

A survey reports that Google has been extremely innovative this year with Google Glass, investments in artificial intelligence and a range of partnerships. Photo: Bloomberg

Paris: US search engine has overtaken rival technology titan as the world's top brand in terms of value, global market research agency Millward Brown said on Wednesday.

's brand value shot up 40% in a year to $158.84 billion, Millward Brown said in its 2014 100 Top BrandZ report.

'Google has been extremely innovative this year with Google Glass, investments in artificial intelligence and a range of partnerships,' said Benoit Tranzer, the head of Millward Brown France.

Google Glass is Internet-linked eyewear for which the firm has joined hands with Luxottica Group, a frame company behind and other high-end brands, to sell the new product in the US.

'All these activities send a very strong signal to consumers about the essence of Google,' Tranzer said.

, which dominated the top position for three straight years, saw its brand value fall by 20% to $147.88 billion.

Brand value is calculated on the basis of the firms' financial performance and their standing among consumers.