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
Publishing
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
Comics Licensing: Surge Licensing To Develop Licensing Strategy For Webtoon
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The digital comics platform WEBTOON has appointed Surge Licensing as the exclusive North American licensing agent for the platform. Founded in 1986, Surge Licensing is known for creating multi-platformed entertainment and consumer product licensing programs. As an IP incubator, the agency's main goal is growing and managing brands for its … [Read more...] about Comics Licensing: Surge Licensing To Develop Licensing Strategy For Webtoon
Licensing Law Shocker: Hawley Targets Disney With Bill To Limit Copyright Protection
If Passed, Law Would Impact All Licensors, Limiting Copyrights to 56 Years By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Senator Josh Hawley is introducing legislation targeting Disney that would have a devastating impact on the US licensing industry. The move comes as Hawley and other GOP leaders retaliate against The Walt Disney Company for its stated opposition to the so-called "Don't … [Read more...] about Licensing Law Shocker: Hawley Targets Disney With Bill To Limit Copyright Protection
Literary Licensing: EA Games Developing Lord of the Rings For Mobile
Electronic Arts has partnered with Middle-earth Enterprises on the development of a new free-to-play mobile game. Middle-earth Enterprises, a division of The Saul Zaentz Company, owns exclusive worldwide rights to motion picture, merchandising, stage and other rights in certain literary works of J.R.R. Tolkien, including The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. “We are incredibly … [Read more...] about Literary Licensing: EA Games Developing Lord of the Rings For Mobile
TOMY Named Master Toy Partner For Little SPOT Book Series
The pre-school toy leader TOMY has been named as the Master Toy Partner for the chart-topping A Little SPOT book series. The deal was secured by Surge Licensing, an entertainment IP development company that grows brands into multi-platformed entertainment and product licensing programs. The series A Little SPOT was written by Diane Alber, and is considered a market … [Read more...] about TOMY Named Master Toy Partner For Little SPOT Book Series
Who’s News: Insight Editions Chooses Licensing Veteran as Editorial Director
Insight Editions has promoted Vicki Jaeger to Vice President, Editorial Director, at Insight Editions and Insight Kids. “In her 16-month tenure at Insight Editions, Vicki has tackled a variety of challenges while growing our editorial team," said Raoul Goff, Founder and President of Insight Editions. "I appreciate her commitment to improving communication and process within … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Insight Editions Chooses Licensing Veteran as Editorial Director