The Licensing Letter

Celebrity

Collectibles: The Story Behind Fanatics Acquisition of Topps Trading Cards

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. The venerable Topps trading card business has agreed to an acquisition offer from Fanatics ... the same company that yanked its license with Major League Baseball in August last year. It's a move that The Licensing Letter predicted at the time, as well as the very real possibility that Fanatics will also make a … [Read more...] about Collectibles: The Story Behind Fanatics Acquisition of Topps Trading Cards

Celebrity Licensing: Schwarzenegger Plays Super Santa to World of Tanks Fans

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief If you're going to get a celebrity to appear in a video game about tanks, it makes sense to choose one like Arnold Schwarzenegger—who actually owns one. That's exactly what World of Tanks has done, as the Terminator star has joined the festivities during Wargaming's Holiday Ops 2022 event, running from now until late January. “Working … [Read more...] about Celebrity Licensing: Schwarzenegger Plays Super Santa to World of Tanks Fans

Celebrity Licensing: Magna-Tiles Go Full Hippy With Grateful Dead Partnership

The tech toy company CreateOn has partnered with the Grateful Dead, using the band's cover art for its collectible Magna-Tiles. Since its founding two years ago, CreateOn, has continued to grow its portfolio of play sets and fan-targeted collectibles depicting beloved franchises like Sesame Street, Dr. Seuss Enterprises, Crayola, The Beatles and the World of Eric Carle. … [Read more...] about Celebrity Licensing: Magna-Tiles Go Full Hippy With Grateful Dead Partnership

Celebrity Licensing: Starbucks and Taylor Swift Collab on ‘Taylor’s Latte’

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Starbucks scored a big win on a celebrity licensing deal over the weekend, as 'Swifties' flocked to the world's most popular barista chain for a Taylor Swift-themed Grande Caramel Nonfat Latte. As some described it, the 'Taylor's latte" featured the taste of caramel, a crisp autumn day, and a 'bad breakup in 2012', a reference to the song … [Read more...] about Celebrity Licensing: Starbucks and Taylor Swift Collab on ‘Taylor’s Latte’

Celebrity Licensing: Epic Rights Developing Licensing Program For Cyndi Lauper

Apparently girls don't just wanna have fun; they also wanna have a solid licensing program. Epic Rights has announced it is now representing Cyndi Lauper, the Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning musical star behind hit songs such as “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” “Time After Time,” and “True Colors.” Epic Rights says it will be developing a robust licensing program across … [Read more...] about Celebrity Licensing: Epic Rights Developing Licensing Program For Cyndi Lauper

Run-DMC Co-Founder Darryl McDaniels Inks Wide Ranging Licensing Deal

The groundbreaking hip-hop star Darryl McDaniels has signed an expansive licensing deal with Nickelodeon and ViacomCBS Consumer Products, that will include apparel, a book deal, and a collaboration on a new series for kids. McDaniels is one of the co-founders of Run-DMC, an early hip-hop group that remains hugely popular today, and that paved the way for many subsequent … [Read more...] about Run-DMC Co-Founder Darryl McDaniels Inks Wide Ranging Licensing Deal

Celebrity Licensing: Elton John’s Licensed Eyewear Launching at Sam’s Club and Walmart

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief When you think about it, it's hard to believe it's taken this long to see eyewear on the market from the legendary pop star Elton John. But, while it may have been a long Yellow Brick Road to get here, the Rocketman himself has now released a new line of eyewear, launching exclusively at Sam's Club and Walmart stores. John says he … [Read more...] about Celebrity Licensing: Elton John’s Licensed Eyewear Launching at Sam’s Club and Walmart

Toy Licensing: UNO Teams Up With Nike and Giannis for a Wild Product Collection

Mattel is launching the first-ever collaboration between UNO and Nike, featuring a product line developed in coordination with the 2019-20 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player and UNO fan, Giannis Antetokounmpo. “I want every product to be genuine and authentic, and playing UNO with my brothers is a big part of our lives,” said Antetokounmpo. “The Nike team has done a great job … [Read more...] about Toy Licensing: UNO Teams Up With Nike and Giannis for a Wild Product Collection

Celebrity Licensing: WWE Pumped Over License Extension With Mattel

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) says it's pumped over a newly signed, multi-year extension of its global master toy agreement with Mattel. The extended partnership includes exclusive rights around Action Figures, Action Figure Accessories and Kids Toy Title Belts. Mattel and WWE have been working together since 2009, developing a diverse and extremely popular range of … [Read more...] about Celebrity Licensing: WWE Pumped Over License Extension With Mattel

Influencer Licensing: Semaphore Licensing Signs TikTok Star Gabi Faye

Semaphore Licensing has signed up a hugely influential TikTok star, who promotes toy products to more than 9 million followers. Faye is a model and actress who migrated to TikTok, creating short videos about various toys and games, and who has become one of the platform's top stars. Recognizing Faye's massive influence with toy shoppers among TikTok's audience, Semaphore says … [Read more...] about Influencer Licensing: Semaphore Licensing Signs TikTok Star Gabi Faye