Just yesterday, reports came up that Microsoft will take away the Nokia branding for its upcoming Windows phones in 2014, starting in its 'holiday campaign'. 

For several months, we have also been reading reports that point out the Redmond giant's goal of laying off almost 18,000 employees, most of them from the Nokia mobile division. 

Could this be all pointing to Microsoft 'killing' Nokia as we know it?

The process may be slow, but it looks like it will begin soon. 

According to a report by GSM Arena, an alleged front panel of a Windows Phone handset has been spotted. French website Nowhereelse.fr posted the image showing the panel without Nokia's branding at the top of the screen.

Instead, it's Microsoft's name placed there. 

Unfortunately, we cannot confirm whether this is true or fake, so you better take this with more than a pinch of salt. 

But in case this is real, then this could be a turning point in Microsoft's campaign to launch its Windows Phone-powered devices. As some Internet users have pointed out, moving from Nokia to Microsoft could be a good marketing plan for the Redmond giant especially in the US where Microsoft is more popular. 

If the company wants to sell products fast, then it may have to focus on the US market as well. Unfortunately, that just means that its low international presence may even go lower without a world-renowned branding like Nokia. 

So while Microsoft's plan to replace the Nokia branding may have positive effects, it will also have some negative results as well, especially when it comes to recognition from consumers. In a previous report, the Redmond-based manufacturer may also be looking to take away the Lumia branding, as well as the 'Phone' in Windows Phone.