By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Andy Murray easily won his first round U.S. Open match the other night. But if the result was predictable, the footwear was anything but. Murray wore Adidas—this after signing a shoe deal with Under Armour in December. Shades of Raymond Weil brand ambassador Charlize Theron in a Christian Dior watch? Or Jessica Simpson's dissing her own "JS" brand … [Read more...] about Tennis Star Andy Murray Dons Adidas after Signing with Under Armour
National Grocery Brands Rebound
By Marcy Magiera The recession and its aftermath in the past five years have helped increase the appeal of store brands for grocery shoppers, but now that the economy is building strength (the stock market turmoil of the past month notwithstanding), consumers are once again beginning to see store brands as less desirable, signaling a renewed opportunity for national brands, … [Read more...] about National Grocery Brands Rebound
Olsen Twins Bring Secondary Fashion Label In-House
By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Although the "overworked intern" lawsuit is getting all the headlines*, the business move the Olsen twins just made may be a lot more significant in the long-term. Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen have decided to bring their Elizabeth & James fashion brand in-house. The Olsens launched Elizabeth & James in 2007 as a contemporary spinoff of "The Row," … [Read more...] about Olsen Twins Bring Secondary Fashion Label In-House
EA Brings Bruce Lee Back to Life for UFC Mobile Game
By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. With apologies to the great Ronda Rousey, the biggest star in the EA Sports UFC Mobile game roster may just be a fighter who never even set foot in a UFC octagon—or anywhere else in the last 32 years for that matter. A game feature lets users play as Bruce Lee in four weight divisions. EA is also running a promotion through September 3 allowing users to … [Read more...] about EA Brings Bruce Lee Back to Life for UFC Mobile Game
Who’s News
By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Michael Francis is stepping down as Chief Global Brand Officer of DreamWorksAnimation in December and current Head of Global Consumer Products Jim Fielding will oversee licensing going forward. After a 6-month search, Snapchat hires former Mattel executive Drew Vollero as VP of finance and acting CFO. Jeff Baker steps down as EVP of Warner Bros. … [Read more...] about Who’s News
Japanese Phenomenon Poised to Enter U.S. Market
By Marcy Magiera Yo-kai Watch is arguably the hottest kids' property in Japan. Now the franchise, about a young boy who uses a special watch to summon spirits who are causing pesky problems for people, is about to hit the U.S. In November, Nintendo will launch a Yo-kai Watch game for its handheld 3DS, about the same time that Viz Media's Perfect Square imprint will introduce … [Read more...] about Japanese Phenomenon Poised to Enter U.S. Market
Westbrook Fragrance Courts Men and Women
By Marcy Magiera Add Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook to the list of celebrities hoping to revive the licensed fragrance business. Byredo Westbrook Eau de Parfum, from Swedish fragrance house Byredo Parfums, is a unisex scent staking out the high end of the market. An 8-ounce bottle, available exclusively at Barneys New York, is $350. Westbrook, who is known … [Read more...] about Westbrook Fragrance Courts Men and Women
New Vans Design Says Skate, Don’t Smoke
By Marcy Magiera VF Corp.'s venerable Vans skateboarding brand is teaming with truth, a national youth smoking prevention campaign, for Vans x truth, a limited line of shoes and apparel intended to drive home the dangers of smoking and the more fun alternatives. The line features Vans Authentics shoes, a T-shirt and hat, priced from $26 to $60. Austin, Texas-based designer … [Read more...] about New Vans Design Says Skate, Don’t Smoke
Poll Says Dug From ‘Up’ is Entertainment’s Top Dog
By Marcy Magiera Cats may have taken center screen for most of the YouTube era (think Grumpy Cat, Pusheen, Venus the "Chimera Cat" and Colonel Meow), but Americans still love their dogs. Market researcher E-Poll surveyed kids and adults ahead of "National Dog Day" (Aug. 26) to come up with Americans' favorite canine entertainment characters. The most-liked dog among both groups … [Read more...] about Poll Says Dug From ‘Up’ is Entertainment’s Top Dog
Disney Rallies Fans for Properties in Licensing Pipeline
By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Disney used its D23 fan expo—a sort of single company Comic-Con where the largest presentations were delivered to an audience of 7,500 (even more people than can be seated in Comic-Con's Hall H at the San Diego Convention Center)—to deliver updates on and promotions for most of the films in its licensed products pipeline. Included at D23, held Aug. 14-16 … [Read more...] about Disney Rallies Fans for Properties in Licensing Pipeline