Following in the footsteps of so many rock bands, Metallica has partnered with Budwieser to launch a limited edition line of branded beers in Canada. A run of over 91,000 black cans featuring the band's logo will be sold in cases of 15 and 24. Freebies were handed out to fans during Metallica's two shows in Qubec City on September 14–16. The retail edition has an additional … [Read more...] about Branded Bottles
Trademarks/Brands
It’s a Dog’s Life
Life magazine, that is. Life and venerable home goods marketer Laura Ashley are among the brands entering licensing agreements for pet products. Life has signed licensee GHS Studio to make pet beds and bean bags, while Laura Ashley teamed with Unique Petz for a full line of items including leashes, furniture covers, kennels, carriers, toys, and more. Americans spent an … [Read more...] about It’s a Dog’s Life
Tennis Star Andy Murray Dons Adidas after Signing with Under Armour
By Glenn S. Demby, Esq. Andy Murray easily won his first round U.S. Open match the other night. But if the result was predictable, the footwear was anything but. Murray wore Adidas—this after signing a shoe deal with Under Armour in December. Shades of Raymond Weil brand ambassador Charlize Theron in a Christian Dior watch? Or Jessica Simpson's dissing her own "JS" brand … [Read more...] about Tennis Star Andy Murray Dons Adidas after Signing with Under Armour
National Grocery Brands Rebound
By Marcy Magiera The recession and its aftermath in the past five years have helped increase the appeal of store brands for grocery shoppers, but now that the economy is building strength (the stock market turmoil of the past month notwithstanding), consumers are once again beginning to see store brands as less desirable, signaling a renewed opportunity for national brands, … [Read more...] about National Grocery Brands Rebound
Burger King Grows With A.1. Brand
By Marcy Magiera Restaurant Brands International reported this week that its Burger King restaurants posted a comp store sales increase of 6.7% and system-wide sales increase of 11.6% in the most recent quarter, due in large part to the popularity of its licensed A.1. Hearty Mozzarella Bacon Cheeseburger. BK has two burgers featuring Kraft Foods' savory A.1. Thick & Hearty … [Read more...] about Burger King Grows With A.1. Brand
TLL Survey: Corporate Licensing Up 2% in 2014; Food/Beverage, Restaurant & Automotive Brands Lead the Way
At $26.8 billion, corporate trademarks and brands accounted for 27% of all retail licensed sales in the U.S. and Canada in 2014, the most of any segment (followed by fashion at 20% and sports at 14%), according to The Licensing Letter's Annual Licensing Business Survey. But while it may be big, the corporate segment was also devoid of drama growing at a respectable but … [Read more...] about TLL Survey: Corporate Licensing Up 2% in 2014; Food/Beverage, Restaurant & Automotive Brands Lead the Way
Licensing Trends: What’s Feeding the Food Binge?
The eating and drinking-related segments continue to represent the growth area in corporate licensing. Respondents to The Licensing Letter’s Annual Licensing Business Survey cite the following factors as driving the steady growth of food, drink and restaurant licensing. On the demand side: Changes in eating habits, like “grazing,” or consuming 5 to 6 light meals per … [Read more...] about Licensing Trends: What’s Feeding the Food Binge?
Sequential Aquires Martha Stewart
The recently announced merger with Sequential Brands Group is the culmination of Martha Stewart Living Omnipedia’s transformation from a publishing to consumer licensing business. it began a few years ago when MSLO wound down its TV operations. In October, MSLO licensed its flagship Martha Stewart Living and Martha Stewart Weddings magazines to Meredith Corp. All the while, … [Read more...] about Sequential Aquires Martha Stewart
Small Bites
News tidbits in the food and beverages sector: Eggland’s Best signed with Joester Loria Group to extend its egg brand to kitchen tools, appliances, publishing and other food items. Sony Pictures TV has enlisted 21st Century Spirits for a limited Heisenberg Blue Ice Vodka inspired by the TV series Breaking Bad. Huy Fong Foods is teaming with Pop! Gourmet Foods and Red Gold on … [Read more...] about Small Bites
New Jersey Highways Become a Brand
They may lack the romance of old Route 66, but the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway are traveled by more than 600 million vehicles and one billion people each year—enough to inspire a licensing program. The roadways will be commemorated on products including t-shirts, hoodies, bags, magnets, mugs, phone cases, beach towels, and wildflower seed packets sold at … [Read more...] about New Jersey Highways Become a Brand