By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief This may be the most '2024' news story I've seen yet, especially for the licensing industry. Combining artificial intelligence, copyright infringement, sci fi movies, robot taxis, Tesla, and a brash move by Elon Musk, a new lawsuit from the makers of Blade Runner 2049 is like a mashup of 2024 doom-scrolling headlines. Blade Runner 2049 … [Read more...] about Blade Runner 2049 Suing Tesla for Copyright Infringement
Corporate
Smiley and Choose Love Spotlight Human Rights in New Campaign
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Smiley News has teamed up with the refugee charity Choose Love to promote the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The campaign, undertaken with the help of global artists, aims to spotlight the enduring importance of human rights, while raising awareness and funds for Choose Love through the Matchmaker for … [Read more...] about Smiley and Choose Love Spotlight Human Rights in New Campaign
Africa Celebrates Its First-Ever Licensing Trade Show
TLL Staff The continent of Africa celebrated its first-ever brand licensing event, called Brand Licensing Africa. The trade show and conference was held as the licensing industry's growth is accelerating in the region, accompanied by developments in African entertainment sectors, such as the animation and film industries. Brand Licensing Africa was held to enable … [Read more...] about Africa Celebrates Its First-Ever Licensing Trade Show
Magnolia Bakery’s Delicious Cannabis Licensing Deal
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The New York baking institution Magnolia Bakery has signed a deal with incredibles for a line of cannabis-infused chocolate treats. In other words, you can get the munchies and deal with the munchies at the same time! The new products will be sold through RISE Dispensaries in the states of New York and New Jersey. Incredibles is an … [Read more...] about Magnolia Bakery’s Delicious Cannabis Licensing Deal
Fall Asleep to the Sound of Frying Chicken With KFC Licensing Deal
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief So, KFC and the tech company Hatch are betting the sound of frying chicken will send you quickly off to dreamland. In what is definitely one of the more unusual licensing deals we've seen, Hatch has licensed the sound of Kentucky Fried Chicken's new KFC Original Recipe Tenders, for use on its Hatch Restore 2 smart sleep devices. "Did you … [Read more...] about Fall Asleep to the Sound of Frying Chicken With KFC Licensing Deal
M&M’s and Kate Spade Launch Tasteful Candy-Inspired Collection
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter M&M's and Kate Spade New York have signed a licensing partnership for a limited-edition collection of M&M's candy-inspired fashion accessories. The licensed capsule collection from Kate Spade New York includes a range of products wth colorful design details inspired by M&M's candy shells, shapes and product … [Read more...] about M&M’s and Kate Spade Launch Tasteful Candy-Inspired Collection
Burger King France Launches Campaign With Miraculous and Ghostforce
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Burger King France has launched a campaign featuring licensed characters from Miraculous and Ghostforce. The promotional campaign is a partnership with the brand owners, Miraculous Corp and Zag. “At Burger King, we are excited to collaborate with the Miraculous and Ghostforce brands to provide children with memorable experiences … [Read more...] about Burger King France Launches Campaign With Miraculous and Ghostforce
Bed Bath & Beyond Signs Second Strategic Partnership in a Week
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Kirkland's, Inc. has announced a major new strategic partnership with Beyond, Inc.'s Bed Bath & Beyond brand. The deal is aimed at rejuvenating the iconic retailer through a neighborhood store strategy, and includes a major financial investment from Beyond. This collaboration will see Kirkland's Home locations serve as the … [Read more...] about Bed Bath & Beyond Signs Second Strategic Partnership in a Week
NRF Predicts US Holiday Spending Close to $1 Trillion
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The National Retail Federation predicts holiday spending will grow by 2.5 to 3.5% in 2024, boosting U.S. spending to almost $1 trillion. The NRF says the increase will equate to spending of between $979.5 billion and $989 billion in total holiday spending in November and December, compared with $955.6 billion during the same time … [Read more...] about NRF Predicts US Holiday Spending Close to $1 Trillion
Bed Bath & Beyond Returns in Strategic Partnership With The Container Store
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Bed Bath and Beyond, thanks to a strategic agreement with The Container Store, which has also struggled in recent years. Bed Bath and Beyond went out of business in 2023, but was then bought out by Beyond Inc., which is now investing $40 million in the Container Store as part of this strategic alignment. Beyond Inc. is a major player … [Read more...] about Bed Bath & Beyond Returns in Strategic Partnership With The Container Store