The anime streamer Crunchyroll has completed a strategic acquisition of Right Stuf, considered the largest retailer of anime products in North America. The Sony-owned streaming service announced on Aug. 4 that it had purchased Right Stuf, just ahead of the company's annual Crunchyroll Expo event. Pricing and other terms were not disclosed publicly. The Right Stuf acquisition … [Read more...] about Crunchyroll Acquires North America’s Largest Anime Retailer
TV Series
Cuphead on a Roll With New Show, Agents, and Merch Deals
The gaming franchise Cuphead is having a breakout year in the licensing space, and has now announced new deals in its rapidly expanding portfolio. The game has already inspired the hit series The Cuphead Show, which will be dropping new episodes in August. Now, the game from Studio MDHR is working with its licensing and entertainment partner King Features on a wide range of … [Read more...] about Cuphead on a Roll With New Show, Agents, and Merch Deals
MGM’s Vikings Invade Digital Gaming With NetEase Deal
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief MGM and NetEase Games have launched the first crossover event between the mobile game Vikingard and the hit series Vikings. The partners say the integration will feature content and themed events related to season 1 of the Vikings, allowing players to experience the journey of central character Ragnar Lothbrok. “The Vikings franchise has … [Read more...] about MGM’s Vikings Invade Digital Gaming With NetEase Deal
New Forum Launched for Companies Seeking Digital Entertainment Licenses
The first Entertainment X Tracks Forum will take place in November as a way to help retailers, licensing companies and licensees seeking new digital entertainment properties. The event was developed by Steven Ekstract, the founder and former publisher of License Global, and is being hosted at the offices of United Talent Agency in Beverly Hills on Nov. 2-3. “The business of … [Read more...] about New Forum Launched for Companies Seeking Digital Entertainment Licenses
BunMo Lands First-Ever Licensing Deal With TheSoul
The SoulPublishing and BunMo have unveiled a line of toys from their multi-product deal between the digital-first studio and the digital-first toy company. The product line includes 5-Minute Crafts and 123 GO! branded fidget, magnet and sensory toys which are available starting this week on the BunMo Amazon store. TheSoul Publishing is an award-winning digital studio that … [Read more...] about BunMo Lands First-Ever Licensing Deal With TheSoul
Who’s News: New Positions at Paramount Global and Penguin Ventures
Paramount Global Promotes Pamela Kaufman to CEO of Global CP & Experiences Penguin Ventures Appoints Zoe Smith as Senior Category Manager, UK Softlines Veteran licensing exec Pamela Kaufman has been promoted to take on the role of president and CEO of international markets, global consumer products and experiences, effective immediately. The newly created position reports … [Read more...] about Who’s News: New Positions at Paramount Global and Penguin Ventures
Collectibles: Fanatics Expands Culture Trading Cards With New Licensing Deals
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Fanatics Collectibles says its zerocool brand has signed licensing deals for Stranger Things, the hit film Dune, and Clerks III. Fanatics says zerocool is the first trading card brand dedicated to pop-culture and entertainment, and is expanding the space through deals with Netflix, Legendary Entertainment, and Kevin Smith to create trading … [Read more...] about Collectibles: Fanatics Expands Culture Trading Cards With New Licensing Deals
Film & TV Licensing: Lionsgate Signs IMG For Global CP Program
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The global licensing agency IMG has closed a massive deal, securing a worldwide contract with the entertainment studio Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B). Vancouver-based Lionsgate has produced some of the most popular film franchises in recent years, and helped establish Canada's reputation as Hollywood North. Lionsgate has now confirmed it … [Read more...] about Film & TV Licensing: Lionsgate Signs IMG For Global CP Program
Technology: House of Mouse Dives Into Metaverse With Disney Accelerator
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The world's largest licensor is investing in Web3, metaverse technologies this week, taking six companies into its Disney Accelerator program. The Disney Accelerator was set up by The Walt Disney Company as a way to help younger tech companies that align with its vision for the future. In this case, Disney has announced that all six of its … [Read more...] about Technology: House of Mouse Dives Into Metaverse With Disney Accelerator
Licensing Bonanza: Marvel Unveils Entire Slate of MCU Films and Series
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Marvel Studios just blew the roof off the San Diego Convention Centre, where the future of the MCU Universe was unveiled to screaming fans. But it's not just fans who are celebrating; licensees of the world's most popular film and TV franchise must be popping champagne corks right about now. Toymakers Hasbro and Funko lost no time in … [Read more...] about Licensing Bonanza: Marvel Unveils Entire Slate of MCU Films and Series