The Licensing Letter

Articles

VIZ Media Hires Former Netflix Licensing Chief Laurie Takaragawa

VIZ Media announced it's made a major addition to its licensing team, hiring Laura Takaragawa, the Head of Consumer Licensing at Netflix, as its new VP of Consumer Products Licensing & Promotions. Viz says the newly created position will allow for the integration of all of VIZ Media's licensed merchandise, collaborations, interactive and digital games, LBE, and promotions … [Read more...] about VIZ Media Hires Former Netflix Licensing Chief Laurie Takaragawa

Innovative Graffiti Fashion Line Features Banksy

Art Ask Agency has announced a major launch of its Brandalised licensing program, which it is carrying out in partnership with UK-based licensee Park Agencies. The Brandalised collection—a twist on the word 'Vandalized'—features clothing with designs taken literally from the streets, in the form of graffiti art work created by enigmatic artist Banksy. Art Ask says the … [Read more...] about Innovative Graffiti Fashion Line Features Banksy

New CEO at Sambro International

The popular toy manufacturer and distributor, Sambro International Ltd., has appointed Paul Blackaby as its new chief executive officer, as he looks to “lead the team through its next stage of development.” Blackaby joined the Sambro business in February 2020 as chief financial officer, bringing with him many years of experience in both the manufacturing and consumer goods … [Read more...] about New CEO at Sambro International

Centennial in Deal for Specialty Magazines and Books

North Equity LLC, a venture equity firm that owns and operates over 15 media properties, has agreed to terms with Centennial Media to produce special interest magazines and books for Popular Science and SAVEUR.  Centennial, a leading book and magazine publisher that specializes in richly illustrated publications, will produce six single-topic, Special Interest Publications … [Read more...] about Centennial in Deal for Specialty Magazines and Books

Boat Rocker’s Dino Ranch Lassoed by Disney

The highly rated kids show Dino Ranch from Boat Rocker Studios has been snapped up in a deal with Disney+ that will see the program air in the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand starting in April. The show takes dinosaurs from Jurassic Park to a Jurassic farm, with a cute assemblage of dinosaur steeds that has already premiered for audiences on Disney Junior and DisneyNOW … [Read more...] about Boat Rocker’s Dino Ranch Lassoed by Disney

LOL Surprise Joins the Digital Fun With ROBLOX

Two giants of the children's play industry have combined forces in a licensing deal between the gaming platform ROBLOX and the toy franchise LOL Surprise. LOL Surprise Official Party will launch on Roblox’s social gaming platform on April 2, according to a statement to The Licensing Letter from MGA Entertainment. "This past year has found parents discovering new ways to get … [Read more...] about LOL Surprise Joins the Digital Fun With ROBLOX

Spotify Removes K-Pop Songs in Licensing Debacle

If you're a big K-pop fan with a Spotify account, you're probably not too happy today. Thanks to a breakdown in licensing talks, songs from some of the world's biggest K-pop stars have vanished from Spotify's music library after talks between the streamer and Korean distributor Kakao M hit a brick wall. Some of the acts affected include many of Korea's most popular acts, … [Read more...] about Spotify Removes K-Pop Songs in Licensing Debacle

Tetris Waffle Maker Shows You Should Play With Your Food

Lisle Licensing takes the Tetris brand forward in 2021 The video game property Tetris and their UK-based licensing agent Lisle Licensing have launched a slate of new deals, including one for a hilarious new Tetris waffle maker from Fizz Creations. Apparently, someone with a love of trapezoids realized waffles are just a lot of tasty Tetris shapes packed together, and decided … [Read more...] about Tetris Waffle Maker Shows You Should Play With Your Food

Under Armour Slashed Sponsorships in 2020

The sporting gear company Under Armour has been shedding sponsorship deals over the past year, and now we know how deep the cuts have gone. Under Armour Inc. released its annual report in late February, which shows the company slashing its sponsorship spending by an astounding 47 per cent in a single year. The cuts reduce Under Armour's spending on sponsorships from $679.1 … [Read more...] about Under Armour Slashed Sponsorships in 2020

Carley Leads Global Licensing at BBC Studios

BBC Studios is getting serious about licensing, and has promoted veteran exec Andrew Carley to the newly created role of Director of Global Licensing. The move will see Carley empowered to create and manage a long-term strategy which, among other projects, will include opportunities for the BBC's highly successful pre-school show Bluey. “The BBC has long been synonymous with … [Read more...] about Carley Leads Global Licensing at BBC Studios