By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Sustainability seems to have been the theme of this month at The Licensing Letter, as several companies including McDonald's Restaurants, Mattel, and Smiley have all revealed new environmentally friendly initiatives to reduce plastic waste, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. Now, Burger King has announced it is working with Animal … [Read more...] about Sustainable Licensing: Animal Planet Roars Into Burger King With Eco-Friendly Toys
Toys and Games
Character Licensing: Playmobil Makes An Aston Martin DB5 For Bond … James Bond
Just in case you need a toy car with machine guns, bulletproof bulkheads, and ejector seats, Playmobil has you covered with an authentic replica of the legendary Aston Martin DB5 from Goldfinger. The car is synonymous with the 007 film series, and other than possibly the Batmobile, is certainly the most famous automobile in film history. Thanks to a licensing deal brokered for … [Read more...] about Character Licensing: Playmobil Makes An Aston Martin DB5 For Bond … James Bond
Sustainability In Licensing: Mattel Exceeds Sustainability Goals For Packaging
Mattel continues to make huge strides toward a sustainable business model, saying the company exceeded its 2020 goal to achieve and maintain 95% recycled or FSC-certified content in the paper and wood fiber used in its products and packaging. The play and entertainment company says it managed to source 97% of its content for products and packaging from recycled materials or … [Read more...] about Sustainability In Licensing: Mattel Exceeds Sustainability Goals For Packaging
Breaking News: Visionary Hasbro CEO Passes Away After Lengthy Battle With Cancer
Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Hasbro Inc. announced some sad news today, revealing the company's longtime Chair and CEO Brian D. Goldner has passed away after a years-long battle with cancer. Just one day earlier, Goldner himself announced that he was taking a medical leave of absence from Hasbro, but that news was followed up today as Hasbro announced its widely … [Read more...] about Breaking News: Visionary Hasbro CEO Passes Away After Lengthy Battle With Cancer
Schitt’s Creek Gets a ‘Monopoly’ on Board Games
Just like the Rose Family, you can now go down market in your real estate dreams, as The Op Games has released a Schitt's Creek edition of Hasbro's Monopoly game. Licensed from Hasbro for sales in North America, MONOPOLY: Schitt's Creek is based on the Emmy Award-winning comedy series about a wealthy family who lose their fortune, and are forced to move to a town that family … [Read more...] about Schitt’s Creek Gets a ‘Monopoly’ on Board Games
Opinion: LEGO Profits Highlight Its Success As A Pandemic Leader
By Utku Tansel Global Toy News LEGO’s global sales increased by 43% to hit £2.6bn in the first six months of 2021 while profits rose by a whopping 140% during the same period. The company announced that its sales were up by more than 10% across all markets while online sales rose by 50%. The company plans to open a further 120 new LEGO shops, including 80 in China alone … [Read more...] about Opinion: LEGO Profits Highlight Its Success As A Pandemic Leader
WowWee Dreams Big With Barbie Dream Playhouse
The innovative play company WowWee, best known for its groundbreaking robots, has launched a new pop-up Barbie Dream House, in partnership with Mattel. WowWee launched with the introduction of its Robosapien toy robot in 2004, revolutionizing the way people interact with robotic companions or toys, but the company has also developed other lines of consumer entertainment … [Read more...] about WowWee Dreams Big With Barbie Dream Playhouse
PhatMojo Selected As Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Toy Partner
Konami Cross Media NY has named PhatMojo, as the new Master Toy licensee for the Yu-Gi-Oh! brand. Jennifer Coleman, Vice President of Licensing and Marketing says the arrangement will see Los Angeles-based PhatMojo producing a full range of Yu-Gi-Oh! toys at different price points, including: playsets, action figures, plush toys, and role-play items. The initial launch of the … [Read more...] about PhatMojo Selected As Yu-Gi-Oh! Master Toy Partner
McFarlane Releases Toys Based on Nickelodeon’s Avatar Series
McFarlane Toys has released the first line of a brand new collection of Nickelodeon's Avatar: The Last Airbender action figures, launching exclusively at Walmart. "Avatar: The Last Airbender animation brings a visual depth of expression and emotion to its characters, making it one of the most beloved animated shows of all time," said Todd McFarlane, CEO of McFarlane Toys. "We … [Read more...] about McFarlane Releases Toys Based on Nickelodeon’s Avatar Series
Amazon Changing the Game With Do, Re & Mi Licensing Deal
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The global play company Jazwares announced this week the release of its exclusive Do, Re & Mi product line, licensed from the Amazon original series. And while The Licensing Letter writes about product releases on a daily basis, the deal on the Do, Re & Mi warrants some special attention by readers, as it signifies a coming sea change … [Read more...] about Amazon Changing the Game With Do, Re & Mi Licensing Deal