The Licensing Letter

Music

Kidz Bop Partners With Audible to Tell Tour Bus Tales

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter KIDZ BOP has partnered with Audible to develop an original audio series called KIDZ BOP Never Stop: The Tour Bus Adventures. KIDZ BOP is a family-friendly music brand that features pop song covers and original music that is sung by children. The KIDZ BOP brand encompasses multiple albums, music videos, licensed consumer products and live … [Read more...] about Kidz Bop Partners With Audible to Tell Tour Bus Tales

Who’s News: Kidrobot Creator, Legendary Artist Frank Kozik Passes Away at 61

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Sad news for musicians, art fans and the licensing industry as legendary artist and Kidrobot creative force Frank Kozik passed away unexpectedly on May 6. The announcement came from a saddened Joel Weinshanker, the CEO of Ad Populum, which owns the pop art firm Kidrobot. “Words escape how we felt about Frank," Weinshanker said. … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Kidrobot Creator, Legendary Artist Frank Kozik Passes Away at 61

American Idol Enjoys Royal Branding With King Charles Surprise Cameo

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief American Idol fans got a royal surprise Sunday when King Charles and Queen Camilla took a break from coronation festivities to drop by the set. The royal couple appeared on the show's live stream, visiting judges Lionel Richie and Katy Perry, shortly after the two acclaimed singers performed at the coronation concert. Richie appeared to be … [Read more...] about American Idol Enjoys Royal Branding With King Charles Surprise Cameo

Poetic Brands Set To Develop Snoop Dogg Apparel With Crooks & Castles

By Allison Watkinson TLL ReporterPoetic Brands has secured a pan-European license for Snoop Dogg and Death Row Records apparel and accessories in partnership with Crooks & Castles.Founded in 2002 by Dennis Calvero and Robert Panlilio, Crooks & Castles is a lifestyle brand that provides apparel and accessories inspired by Los Angeles streetwear and personal success. “I … [Read more...] about Poetic Brands Set To Develop Snoop Dogg Apparel With Crooks & Castles

Who’s News: Qobuz Deputy CEO Named “Power Player” by Billboard

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Georges Fornay, the deputy CEO of the music platform Qobuz, has been added to Billboard’s 2023 International Power Players List. Founded in 2007, Qobuz is a France-based music streaming and download platform. The Quobay platform is currently available in 26 countries across the globe and features a catalog of over 100 million … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Qobuz Deputy CEO Named “Power Player” by Billboard

BBC’s Canine Pop Star Bluey Releases Second Album

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The BBC's top kids' show Bluey has just released a second album, following the chart topping performance of Bluey: The Album. Released on April 21, Bluey: Dance Mode! is the follow up to an initial, award-winning music collection that has been streamed more than 200 million times. The debut album landed at number 1 on both the … [Read more...] about BBC’s Canine Pop Star Bluey Releases Second Album

Licensing Law: “This is the Final Straw, AI,” Furious Drake Says

This story is an update to our previous feature "Universal Warns AI is Ripping Off Copyrighted Music By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief First it was artists who were panicking over the rise of AI, and now it's musicians and music publishers. AI-produced music and music videos that imitate superstars like Drake and The Weeknd have the music industry in an uproar. Universal … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: “This is the Final Straw, AI,” Furious Drake Says

Qobuz Brings Cool Tunes to The Great White North

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The high-fidelity music streamer Qobuz continued its global expansion by launching in Canada on Wednesday. Qobuz is a streamer with a difference, as it's primary focus is on providing music streaming at higher fidelity for true audiophiles. "With Qobuz hitting the market, all Canadian music lovers who are looking for a unique music … [Read more...] about Qobuz Brings Cool Tunes to The Great White North

Rocket Appointed to Rep 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop in UK

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Rocket Licensing has been appointed to manage licensing in the UK and other countries in Europe for The 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop. The program is an innovative campaign that honors the legends and communities that birthed the cultural movement of Hip Hop in 1973. “Hip hop has been a phenomenon for fifty years—a major cultural landmark … [Read more...] about Rocket Appointed to Rep 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop in UK

Analysis: US Government Defines Copyright Protection for AI-Created Works

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The US Copyright Office says works created with the help of artificial intelligence may be copyrighted, in a policy with major implications for the licensing industry.  From now on, all copyright applicants are legally required to disclose when their work includes AI-generated material. As well, any previously filed application that … [Read more...] about Analysis: US Government Defines Copyright Protection for AI-Created Works