The Licensing Letter

Electronic Media

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

Who’s News: Zigazoo Appoints President of Consumer Products

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The children's social media network Zigazoo has appointed industry veteran Ashley Mady as its new President of Consumer Products. In the newly created role, Mady will spearhead physical and digital consumer product initiatives, which consist of digital assets such as NFT's, physical merchandise, and a fusion of the two categories. “Brands … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Zigazoo Appoints President of Consumer Products

UNIS Arcade Deal Makes Emoji Smile :-)

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter UNIS Technology Ltd has signed a licensing agreement with the emoji company to develop a series of arcade games for the emoji brand. Under the terms of the agreement, UNIS will handle the design, manufacture and distribution of the new coin-operated emoji games within key markets including EMEA, U.S., Canada, LATAM and APAC. The deal was … [Read more...] about UNIS Arcade Deal Makes Emoji Smile :-)

Feature Report: Samsung Breaks Open New Licensing Category With Gaming Hub

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Korean tech giant Samsung has just released a new Smart TV technology that opens the door for a new type of licensing. Samsung Electronics announced its released a new product called Samsung Gaming Hub, which turns its Smart TVs into a video game streaming platform. The core of the technology is that it allows users to play video games on … [Read more...] about Feature Report: Samsung Breaks Open New Licensing Category With Gaming Hub

Epic Games and Microsoft Strike Blow Against Apple and Google

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The hit game Fortnite is returning to iOS and Android devices, thanks to an innovative licensing deal between Epic Games and Microsoft. The deal also strikes a blow against the closed environment of Apple's App Store and Alphabet's Google Play store, which currently hold a monopoly on app payments for those platforms. The deal will see … [Read more...] about Epic Games and Microsoft Strike Blow Against Apple and Google

Who’s News: Melanie Summers To Lead Buzzfeed’s Consumer Product Licensing

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter BuzzFeed has appointed licensing veteran Melanie Summers as SVP of Consumer Products for the company's new unified business organization. Formed in 2006, BuzzFeed, Inc. is a digital media company known for providing brand-safe news and entertainment to hundreds of millions of people. The company's unified licensing business extends … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Melanie Summers To Lead Buzzfeed’s Consumer Product Licensing

Canadian Bill Could Change the Game for Streaming Services

By Gary Symons Nov. 4, 2020 The federal government in Canada has tabled a bill proposing amendments to its Broadcasting Act that will force major changes for streaming services like Netflix, Crave, Disney+, Amazon Prime and Spotify, as well as for non-Canadian licensees.  The changes affect a market of 39 million people - about the size of California - and will result in … [Read more...] about Canadian Bill Could Change the Game for Streaming Services

Corporate TM/Brands Up 2.7% in 2016; Food/Bev & Tech Lead

By: Karina Masolova, karina@plainlanguagemedia.com Retail sales of corporate trademark/brand-based licensing were up 2.7% worldwide in 2016, according to The Licensing Letter's Annual Licensing Business Survey. The U.S./Canada made up almost 80% of retail sales worldwide in 2016, and, in fact, grew at a faster rate than the rest of the world. The U.S./Canada counted $28 … [Read more...] about Corporate TM/Brands Up 2.7% in 2016; Food/Bev & Tech Lead