By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief First Cardinal Robert Prevost defied the odds to become the first American Pope; now Pope Leo XIV has smashed the sales record for trading cards, beating out basketball star LeBron James. According to Topps, the first US-born pope’s run of trading cards set an all-time record for any non-sports card under the brand. Pope Leo’s set of Topps … [Read more...] about Pope Leo Trading Card From Topps Smashes Sales Record
Non-profits
Mensa Challenges Brands to Prove They’re a “Smart Choice” at Licensing Expo
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Think your product is clever? Innovative? A real brainchild? American Mensa wants to put your smarts to the test—literally. For the first time in its history, the high IQ society is inviting brands at Licensing Expo 2025 to compete for a chance to win a free Mensa license as part of its newly launched SMART CHOICE Think Tank competition. … [Read more...] about Mensa Challenges Brands to Prove They’re a “Smart Choice” at Licensing Expo
Toy Foundation Grants $405,000 to Bring Power of Play to Pediatric Patients
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief For many children facing hospital stays, playtime often takes a backseat to medical treatments, but thanks to a generous initiative from The Toy Foundation, play is making a comeback in pediatric care. The philanthropic arm of The Toy Association has awarded $405,000 to 23 children’s hospitals and health systems across the U.S., funding … [Read more...] about Toy Foundation Grants $405,000 to Bring Power of Play to Pediatric Patients
Licensed Right International and Wildlife Madagascar Team Up for Sustainable Licensing
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Licensed Right International has signed an exclusive partnership with Wildlife Madagascar to develop a consumer brand inspired by Madagascar's ecosystem. Through the collaborative partnership, Licensed Right International and Wildlife Madagascar have created a portfolio of assets that will be available for license across the consumer … [Read more...] about Licensed Right International and Wildlife Madagascar Team Up for Sustainable Licensing
Products of Change Names the ESCP as its New Social Impact Partner
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Products of Change has partnered with the Ethical Supply Chain Program to expand access to resources for ethical and sustainable supply chains. Through the partnership, members of both not-for-profit organisations will be given access to tools that will help them create products in more socially conscious and environmentally-friendly … [Read more...] about Products of Change Names the ESCP as its New Social Impact Partner
Wendy’s and Girl Scouts USA Debut Thin Mint Frosty
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Wendy's has partnered with Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) for a limited-edition Thin Mints Frosty menu item. Available in chocolate and vanilla flavors, the licensed Frosty features a Thin Mints-inspired cookie crumble sauce that is swirled into the dessert and piled on the top. "The friendship between Wendy's and Girl Scouts of the … [Read more...] about Wendy’s and Girl Scouts USA Debut Thin Mint Frosty
True Food Kitchen Partners with SZA for New CZA Salad
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter True Food Kitchen and SZA have partnered for a licensed menu collaboration called the SZA CZA salad. Available at all 46 True Food locations, the SZA CZA salad is an updated spin on the restaurant's kale caesar salad that is inspired by the award-winning artist's favorite ingredients. "This partnership is a perfect blend of what we're … [Read more...] about True Food Kitchen Partners with SZA for New CZA Salad
Mattel Gives Back with 80th Anniversary Campaign
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Mattel is kicking off its 80th anniversary celebration with a year-long philanthropic campaign titled 80 Moments for 80 Years. Taking place throughout 2025, the anniversary campaign will build on Mattel's long philanthropic history by donating resources and funds to over 80 different nonprofit organizations around the world. The … [Read more...] about Mattel Gives Back with 80th Anniversary Campaign
Products of Change Expands Its Impact with Spring Fair Sessions and FSPA Partnership
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Products of Change (POC) is set to lead conversations on sustainability at the upcoming Spring Fair in the UK, and has announced a new partnership with the Federation of Sports and Play Associations (FSPA). Celebrating its 75th anniversary, the Spring Fair, a premier UK retail trade event, will take place from February 2–5, 2025, at … [Read more...] about Products of Change Expands Its Impact with Spring Fair Sessions and FSPA Partnership
POC Conference 2025 Set to Showcase an Industry Striving for Change
Article Submitted The date is now set for the 2025 Products of Change Conference on November 5, when once again the brand and licensing industry will gather to curate and secure the sustainable future of business. Early bird tickets are available now for a limited time until February 28. The 2024 Conference saw record-breaking attendance, a dynamic and diverse line … [Read more...] about POC Conference 2025 Set to Showcase an Industry Striving for Change