The Licensing Letter

Music

Mattel and Hasbro Named as Toy Licensees for KPop Demon Hunters

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Netflix is summoning some serious licensing voodoo as it names both Mattel, Inc. and Hasbro, Inc. as global co-master toy licensees for KPop Demon Hunters. The dual partnership marks the first time Netflix has appointed two toy companies to share co-master status on a single property. That likely a sign that the platform is pulling out all … [Read more...] about Mattel and Hasbro Named as Toy Licensees for KPop Demon Hunters

Spotify Working With Major Labels to Implement “Responsible” AI Tools

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Leading music streamer Spotify is working with major music labels to develop AI systems that empower musicians and protect their copyright. The move comes amid a wave of concern over the millions of AI-created songs being uploaded to music streamers. Around the world, high-profile musicians have spoken out about AI companies … [Read more...] about Spotify Working With Major Labels to Implement “Responsible” AI Tools

Opinion: AI ‘Actress’ Tilly Norwood Raises the Stakes for Human Actors

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief For an actor that has appeared for just seconds in a short online video, Tilly Norwood has created an awful lot of controversy. It's got nothing to do with her acting, and everything to do with the fact Tilly Norwood isn't human. In fact, other than some lines of code, Tilly Norwood doesn't actually exist. Instead, Norwood is simply a … [Read more...] about Opinion: AI ‘Actress’ Tilly Norwood Raises the Stakes for Human Actors

Bravado and Reverb Team Up for Sustainability at Climate Week

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The leading artist merch company Bravado announced at Climate Week NYC a new strategic partnership with REVERB to boost sustainably produced fan merchandise. The partnership appears to be a natural for Bravado, which has been working on sustainable solutions for its vast artist merchandising business. REVERB is the music industry’s leading … [Read more...] about Bravado and Reverb Team Up for Sustainability at Climate Week

Global Merchandising to Rep Legendary Alt Rock Club CBGB

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The legendary CBGB nightclub in New York, known as the birthplace of punk and New Wave, has appointed Global Merchandising Services as its worldwide licensing agency. CBGB was founded in 1973 by Hilly Kristal in Manhattan’s Bowery district, and gave rise to bands such as the Ramones, Blondie, Talking Heads, and Patti Smith Group, and later … [Read more...] about Global Merchandising to Rep Legendary Alt Rock Club CBGB

Bravado Launches Apparel Line and Web Shop for DMX

TLL Staff Bravado, the artist merchandise and lifestyle company under Universal Music Group, has launched a new official web shop and merchandise collection honoring the late rapper and actor DMX. The launch was developed in partnership with the Estate of Earl Simmons, better known as DMX. It debuted Tuesday at darkmanx.com. The collection includes three premium t-shirts and … [Read more...] about Bravado Launches Apparel Line and Web Shop for DMX

Backstreet’s Back in Little People Collector Set from Fisher-Price

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Backstreet Boys are getting a new look, this time in miniature form. Global Merchandising Services, the worldwide licensing agent for the band, and Fisher-Price announced Tuesday the release of the Little People Collector Backstreet Boys set, a collectible honoring one of the most successful pop groups in history. The set arrives as … [Read more...] about Backstreet’s Back in Little People Collector Set from Fisher-Price

Chordal Expands Music Rights Platform with Wave of New Partnerships

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Chordal, a music rights technology company specializing in sync licensing, has announced a new slate of partners joining its platform. The list of new partners joining Chordal include Nettwerk Music Group, Marathon Artists, Futures, Neon Gold, Avenue A, Anara Publishing, Mesh, DEEWEE, Involved Publishing, Maktub, EPM Music, Lo Fi Music, and … [Read more...] about Chordal Expands Music Rights Platform with Wave of New Partnerships

Monster High Fright Song Gets Glam Remake From Katseye 

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Mattel has partnered with the Katseye girl group for a musical Monster High collaboration and custom doll promotion. The Monster High collaboration offers an updated version of the brand's Fright Song anthem by Katseye, along with a licensed music video that features each member's monster personas. Katseye's new version of the … [Read more...] about Monster High Fright Song Gets Glam Remake From Katseye