The Licensing Letter

Entertainment/Character

Who’s News: ZAG Appoints Former Target Exec As VP of Retail Development

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter ZAG has appointed veteran retail expert Gaye Dean as the company's new VP of North America retail development. In her new position at Zag, Dean will manage strategic relationships across all tiers of retail throughout North America for the ZAG Heroez brand franchise. Her initial focus will be to work with retailers on this year’s product … [Read more...] about Who’s News: ZAG Appoints Former Target Exec As VP of Retail Development

Watch Out Pokemon: Miraculous Trading Card Game Hits European Market

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter ZAG has launched a licensed trading card game for the studio's Miraculous franchise in Germany and Austria. The studio plans to expand distribution with a future release across Europe. “Featuring the bold cinematic visuals from Miraculous, we anticipate strong demand from fans of all ages across Europe who will be eager to collect the … [Read more...] about Watch Out Pokemon: Miraculous Trading Card Game Hits European Market

Lefties Sets Sail With Popeye-Themed Apparel Collection

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter King Features and Lefties have partnered on a licensed apparel collection featuring Popeye the Sailorman. The co-branded collection includes t-shirts, shorts, sweatshirts, socks, pajamas, and jogger pants that feature graphic art inspired by the Popeye franchise. The Popeye brand is owned by King Features Syndicate, a unit of Hearst … [Read more...] about Lefties Sets Sail With Popeye-Themed Apparel Collection

Viz Media Tags WP Brands As Its Agent in Oceania Markets

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter VIZ Media has appointed WP Brands as its Oceania licensing agency for the Australia and New Zealand regions. WP Brands is a licensing, marketing, and content syndication specialist for the Oceania markets. The agency offers its services for all categories of entertainment and lifestyle properties. “This is an amazing opportunity, and … [Read more...] about Viz Media Tags WP Brands As Its Agent in Oceania Markets

Book Licensing: Moominvalley Adaptation Gets Fourth Season

by Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Gutsy Animations’ flagship animated series Moominvalley has been renewed for a fourth season by the broadcasters Sky, Yle, and Viaplay. The Moominvalley animated series is based on a series of childrens books and comic strips written by Tove Jansson between 1945 and 1980. The international licensing rights to the Moomin franchise are … [Read more...] about Book Licensing: Moominvalley Adaptation Gets Fourth Season

Who’s News: Invisible Universe hires New Head of Licensing

By Allison WatkinsonTLL ReporterThe internet-based animation studio Invisible Universe has hired Shane Mang from Spin Master as their new Head of Licensing. Invisible Universe is an entertainment technology company that focuses on creating and developing original character IPs in partnership with high-profile celebrities. These celebrities include Serena Williams, Jennifer … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Invisible Universe hires New Head of Licensing

Toho Acquires 50% Interest in Genius Brands’ Frederator Productions

Strategic Partnership Includes the Bravest Warriors, Netflix Series, Bee and PuppyCat, and the Upcoming Catbug Series Genius Brands International, Inc. has reached a deal with TOHO International, selling 50% of in three productions on its Frederator Network. The deal was arranged through Genius Brands' subsidiary WOW! Unlimited Media, which in turn controls the Frederator … [Read more...] about Toho Acquires 50% Interest in Genius Brands’ Frederator Productions

Video Game Licensing: New Anime Adaptation For Nier Automata Set For Release

By Allison WatkinsonTLL Reporter Square Enix's role-playing sci-fi video game, Nier Automata, has been adapted into a new anime series by Aniplex. The licensed anime adaptation of the game is scheduled for release in Japan on Jan. 7, 2023, with additional regions to follow. The upcoming series is titled Nier: Automata Ver 1.1a. The Nier Automata anime series was … [Read more...] about Video Game Licensing: New Anime Adaptation For Nier Automata Set For Release

Video Game Licensing: Invincible Skins Flying Into Fall Guys

By Allison WatkinsonTLL Reporter Amazon has entered into an agreement with Epic Games to bring licensed content from its Invincible series to the Fall Guys video game. Invincible is an animated superhero series for adult audiences that airs on the Amazon Prime streaming service. The series is based on a comic by Robert Kirkman, Cory Walker, and Ryan Ottley. The plot of the … [Read more...] about Video Game Licensing: Invincible Skins Flying Into Fall Guys