product placement [prod-uhkt-pleys-muhnt]
noun
1. A form of advertising, where branded goods or services are placed in a context usually devoid of ads, such as movies, music videos, and the story lines of tv shows.
EX. Hostess Snack Cakes spent a lot of money advertising in comic books over the years, sometimes in the most bizarre ways imaginable, with product placement in short stories involving some of our favorite Marvel and DC super heroes and super villains.
Seriously, google 'hostess comic book ads' and you will be provided with some nostalgic amusement.
For a brief history of product placement in an amusing stroll down the history of film, click the link below.