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
Comic Books/Strips
DC and Partners Release Products for the Whole ‘Shazamily’
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products and DC have revealed an extensive collection of licensed merchandise based on the upcoming superhero film Shazam! Fury of the Gods. The collectible manufacturer McFarlane has released a licensed Shazam action figure at major retailers and the DC Shop. The toy company Spin Master has also … [Read more...] about DC and Partners Release Products for the Whole ‘Shazamily’
Peanuts Continues Asia Expansion Through Trade Fair in Seoul
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter WildBrain CPLG has announced that the Peanuts character brand will appear at The Seoul Living Design Fair 2023 to showcase licensed lifestyle products. The Seoul Living Design Fair is Korea’s largest interior design & lifestyle exhibition, and the Peanuts brand will be featured at the fair in a themed booth created by Peanuts … [Read more...] about Peanuts Continues Asia Expansion Through Trade Fair in Seoul
James Gunn Unveils The Future of the DC Universe
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief DC Studios has served notice it's ready to compete with rival Marvel in building an integrated superhero universe. James Web and Peter Safran, the newly appointed co-CEOs of DC Studios, this week revealed their overall plan for the franchise. That initially includes 10 new films and series, but the real news is that the studio will … [Read more...] about James Gunn Unveils The Future of the DC Universe
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
Comics Licensing: Batman and Spawn Star in Licensed Crossover
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter A licensed crossover comic called Batman/Spawn is being released as a new, licensed series by DC and Image Comics. The new release was made by the Spawn franchise's creator, Todd McFarlane and his longtime teammate, Greg Capullo. Capullo was responsible for penciling the comic and McFarlane was responsible for the writing and inking of … [Read more...] about Comics Licensing: Batman and Spawn Star in Licensed Crossover
SRM Develops Smurf Sippy Cup Collection for Kids
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Jupiter Wellness's SRM Entertainment division has entered into a licensing agreement with LAFIG Belgium and IMPS for a line of children's products featuring The Smurfs. Through the new multi-year licensing agreement, SRM will develop a line of Sip With Me hydration and table-top products featuring characters and images from The Smurfs … [Read more...] about SRM Develops Smurf Sippy Cup Collection for Kids
Hot Topic Creating Apparel Line for Stan Lee Centennial
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Genius Brands has announced a direct-to-retail licensing partnership with Hot Topic to create an apparel line for the Stan Lee Centennial celebration. “We are launching the Stan Lee Centennial campaign to carry on his legacy for his millions of fans worldwide," said Kerry Phelan, Chief Brand Officer at Genius Brands. "We take our role of … [Read more...] about Hot Topic Creating Apparel Line for Stan Lee Centennial
Licensing Deals: BLA! Appointed to Rep VIZ Media in Europe
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Anime publisher VIZ Media has appointed Boutique Licensing Agency (BLA!) as its brand licensing and management representative in Europe. VIZ Media is a US-based entertainment company that focuses on manga publishing and anime distribution. The company currently serves multiple industries including publishing, animation, film, gaming and … [Read more...] about Licensing Deals: BLA! Appointed to Rep VIZ Media in Europe