The Licensing Letter

Film

Licensing Bonanza: Marvel Unveils Entire Slate of MCU Films and Series

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Marvel Studios just blew the roof off the San Diego Convention Centre, where the future of the MCU Universe was unveiled to screaming fans. But it's not just fans who are celebrating; licensees of the world's most popular film and TV franchise must be popping champagne corks right about now. Toymakers Hasbro and Funko lost no time in … [Read more...] about Licensing Bonanza: Marvel Unveils Entire Slate of MCU Films and Series

Trade Shows: MGM to Unveil New Licensing Initiatives at BLE

Metro Goldwyn Mayer says it will have a grand reveal of new licensing opportunities when it displays at Brand Licensing Europe in September. As well, MGM says it will be serving up some special sneak peaks for some new and evergreen properties, like Pink Panther, Vikings: Valhalla, Killer Klowns, and Wednesday. MGM is, of course, one of the preeminent studios from the glory … [Read more...] about Trade Shows: MGM to Unveil New Licensing Initiatives at BLE

Game Licensing: James Bond’s Aston Martin to Race in Rocket League

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The video game developer Psyonix has partnered with Metro Goldwyn Mayer and Aston Martin for the 60th anniversary of James Bond: 007. The collaboration between the three companies centers around licensed James Bond-themed content for Psyonix's popular video game, Rocket League. Originally founded in 1924, Metro Goldwyn Mayer is the owner of … [Read more...] about Game Licensing: James Bond’s Aston Martin to Race in Rocket League

Who’s News: Kristen Finney to Manage International Content for Disney+

Disney has promoted Kristen Finney as part of a global strategy to improve content creation for Disney+ in international markets. Finney is to take on the newly created role of Executive VP of Content Creation. Prior to the reassignment, Finney was the executive VP for content distribution strategy and development within Disney’s direct-to-consumer division on the platform … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Kristen Finney to Manage International Content for Disney+

Yu-Gi-Oh Creator Kazuki Takahashi Dies in Swimming Accident

Japanese artist Kazuki Takahashi, who spawned a global franchise with the comic Yu-Gi-Oh, has died in what appears to be a swimming accident. Takahashi, whose real first name was Kazuo, was discovered floating in the sea near the town of Nago on Wednesday. The location is in the southern island prefecture of Okinawa, a popular island getaway for Japanese tourists. The area … [Read more...] about Yu-Gi-Oh Creator Kazuki Takahashi Dies in Swimming Accident

Film Licensing: Mattel To Unveil a Galaxy of Toys For Pixar’s Lightyear

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Mattel has entered into a global licensing agreement for Pixar’s Lightyear, the origin story of Toy Story’s character, Buzz Lightyear. Through the agreement, Mattel has acquired global licensing rights to develop a line of toys for the Lightyear franchise. These toys will include action figures, playsets, vehicles, games, plush, and … [Read more...] about Film Licensing: Mattel To Unveil a Galaxy of Toys For Pixar’s Lightyear

Commentary: Why You Should Target Games For Your Intellectual Property

Commentary: Why You Should Target Games For Your IP at Licensing Expo 2022 Featured Content From Layer Licensing Licensing Expo is a fantastic event to find new licensing opportunities for your IP. Licensing professionals from more than 70 countries came together in Las Vegas at the end of May in search of potential partners to buddy up with—though, it’s easy to overlook … [Read more...] about Commentary: Why You Should Target Games For Your Intellectual Property

Licensing International Excellence Awards Honor Innovation

The winners of the 2022 Licensing International Excellence Awards were announced Thursday at Licensing Expo in Las Vegas. The awards honor innovation in the way brands use licensing to further their goals, how licensees develop products, how licensees distribute products, and how retailers spotlight licenses on their shelves. “It’s inspiring to see the quality of work … [Read more...] about Licensing International Excellence Awards Honor Innovation