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
Publishing
Chick-Fil-A Launches Literary partnership with author Diane Alber
The US restaurant chain Chick-Fil-A has launched a new literary partnership for its Kids Meal program to promote diversity and kindness. The company says Chick-Fil-A is partnering with author Diane Alber to include five bestselling titles from her Scribble book series for the 2022 Kids meal book promotion. Alber is a prolific picture book author and illustrator whose titles … [Read more...] about Chick-Fil-A Launches Literary partnership with author Diane Alber
Peanuts Appoints Wildbrain For CP Licensing in Asia-Pacific
WildBrain CPLG is celebrating their appointment as the agency for Peanuts Worldwide in Asia, as the brand hits $2.5 billion in CP sales. “As an owner of the brand and the producer of all-new Peanuts content under our long-term arrangement with Apple TV+, and now as the consumer products agency for Peanuts in more than 50 countries worldwide, our global organization is uniquely … [Read more...] about Peanuts Appoints Wildbrain For CP Licensing in Asia-Pacific
Manga Licensing: Ukonic Secures Deal For Naruto Product Line
The anime and manga publisher VIZ Media has teamed up with Ukonic to bring "Naruto Shippuden" products into the homes of fans. The partnership, which extends through 2025, covers everything to personalize your home or office, from area rugs and furniture to small kitchen appliances. "Creating exceptional items that fans love is our passion," says Martin Butler, CEO and … [Read more...] about Manga Licensing: Ukonic Secures Deal For Naruto Product Line
British Comic Beano Celebrates 85 Years With New Campaign
The world's longest running weekly comic, Beano, will celebrate its 85th anniversary next year with a national licensing campaign by Rocket. Beano first hit print in 1938, before the Second World War, and became one of the most popular British brands of all time. Country Life even put it on the list of top British brands with The Beatles and James Bond. “Beano is part of the … [Read more...] about British Comic Beano Celebrates 85 Years With New Campaign
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
Popeye Sails Into New Territories
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter King Features Syndicate has announced expansion into new territories for its iconic comic characters, Popeye and Olive Oyl. Building upon its already successful global licensing program, King Features has signed several new agents to support growth in the new territories which include J&M Brands in Benelux, Wildbrain CPLG in the Middle … [Read more...] about Popeye Sails Into New Territories
Genius Brands Signs Long-Term Deal with Marvel Studios to License the Likeness of Stan Lee
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Stan Lee Universe has signed a 20-year deal to license the name and likeness of Stan Lee to Marvel Studios and Disney for global use in media and experiences. Stan Lee Universe is a joint venture between Pow! Entertainment and Genius Brands International that is focused on maintaining and expanding Stan Lee's legacy through licensing deals … [Read more...] about Genius Brands Signs Long-Term Deal with Marvel Studios to License the Likeness of Stan Lee
Licensing Agencies: Miffy Finds New Representation With Rocket in UK
The popular children's character Miffy has hired Rocket Licensing, after its former agency in the UK shut down. Mercis, which holds the rights to the Miffy books and characters, says that after DRI Licensing’s decision to wind down the company, "it became paramount to find a new home for Miffy. The brand Miffy has been carefully nurtured and grown over the last 20+ years and … [Read more...] about Licensing Agencies: Miffy Finds New Representation With Rocket in UK
Interview: Shannon Spisak On How Dr. Seuss Maintains Its Powerful Brand
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Dr. Seuss is one of those properties that everyone knows instantly. We all read the ridiculously funny rhymes of Cat in the Hat or Green Eggs and Ham, and as parents, read Horton Hears a Who and the classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas to our own children. The author Theodor Seuss Geisel published more than 60 children's books over his … [Read more...] about Interview: Shannon Spisak On How Dr. Seuss Maintains Its Powerful Brand