The Licensing Letter

Electronic Media

Google Reaches Agreement to Pay Canadian Media For News Content

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Canadian government and Google have just reached a landmark agreement that will see the search giant paying for news content. Canadian media outlets, including CBC News, are reporting today that Google and the federal government have resolved their dispute over the Online News Act, according to sources. CBC reports … [Read more...] about Google Reaches Agreement to Pay Canadian Media For News Content

Smiley and Samsung Spreading the Joy With New Collection

TLL Staff Smiley, the brand based on happiness, is spreading a little more joy in its first ever collaboration with tech giant Samsung. Together, they're introducing The Smiley Edition, a collection of accessories designed to celebrate positivity and creativity. The Smiley Company owns the trademark and IP for the globally recognized 'Smiley Face', which it has used as a … [Read more...] about Smiley and Samsung Spreading the Joy With New Collection

Punchbowl Lands Major Licensing Partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Punchbowl has partnered with Warner Bros Discovery for a digital invitation collection based on licensed DC Super Heroes, FRIENDS, and Harry Potter characters. The design of the co-branded invitations are intended to match the appearance and visual texture of traditional paper letters, envelope liners, postage stamps and greetings. A subsidiary … [Read more...] about Punchbowl Lands Major Licensing Partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery

PBS KIDS Expands Growing Library of Podcasts

By Allison WatkinsonTLL ReporterPBS KIDS is adding new audio content to its portfolio of family-friendly podcast series for release this this fall.The new content will include an original podcast series called Jamming On The Job, a new season of The Arthur Podcast and a new series called Playdate With The Wombats!.“We’re so excited to introduce kids to fresh, fun podcasts that … [Read more...] about PBS KIDS Expands Growing Library of Podcasts

Video Gaming: Mercedes-Benz Adds Angry Birds for Playful Passengers

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Rovio Entertainment has partnered with Mercedes-Benz to bring the Angry Birds game to the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class model. The new partnership will make the Angry Birds game available on the dashboard touchscreen of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan through the automotive App Store, Faurecia Aptoide. The dashboard touchscreen in the new … [Read more...] about Video Gaming: Mercedes-Benz Adds Angry Birds for Playful Passengers

TheSoul Publishing Hires Three Agencies for Global Licensing

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter TheSoul Publishing has partnered with the international licensing agencies J&M Brands, Caravanserai, and Rocket Licensing to develop global consumer product programs. The licensing agencies will collaborate with TheSoul Publishing to expand the reach of its licensed content across Europe for a number of its brands. The main brands … [Read more...] about TheSoul Publishing Hires Three Agencies for Global Licensing

Roku’s New TVs Could Be A Risky Licensing Move

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The streaming device company Roku is planning to release its first line of Smart TVs that are both designed and manufactured by the company itself. The announcement of the new Roku Smart TV product lines was made during the 2023 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Prior to this announcement, the tech company had only offered … [Read more...] about Roku’s New TVs Could Be A Risky Licensing Move

Retail Trends: Christmas a Bit Less Merry in 2022

NPD Report Says Wary Consumers to Reduce Holiday Spending By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The NPD Group predicts that Christmas stockings will be a little less full, and the stack of presents under the tree a touch smaller this year. The NPD's annual report on retail, 2022 US Holiday Purchase Intentions, says consumers generally plan to spend less this year than in … [Read more...] about Retail Trends: Christmas a Bit Less Merry in 2022

Microsoft and Meta Platforms Partner on Metaverse Expansion

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Microsoft and Meta Platforms have formed a licensing partnership for the metaverse that focuses on virtual productivity and security. Meta Platforms Inc, formerly Facebook Inc, is a global provider of social networking, advertising, electronic devices, and business solutions. Microsoft and Meta's licensing partnership will expand on … [Read more...] about Microsoft and Meta Platforms Partner on Metaverse Expansion

Who’s News: Warner Music Group Appointing New CEO in 2023

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in ChiefYouTube exec Robert Kyncl will be appointed to the post of CEO at Warner Music Group, replacing current CEO Steve Cooper.Kyncl currently serves as the Chief Business Officer at YouTube, where he has been instrumental in its explosive growth across all streaming platforms. “After a thorough search, we’re delighted to be appointing Robert … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Warner Music Group Appointing New CEO in 2023