The Licensing Letter

Video Games and Software

Experiential & Social Activations

Hasbro and Cityneon bring interactive exhibition Transformers Autobot Alliance to China in December 2017. The launch follows years of R&D—the walk-through exhibit is the first of its kind to showcase the larger-than-life robots, as well as special effects, reflex tests, virtual reality, motion sensing, and other features surrounding the Transformers brand. It will debut in … [Read more...] about Experiential & Social Activations

M&A & Other Business

Ravensburger acquires ThinkFun, a U.S. developer of logic and STEM-based games. ThinkFun will continue to operate independently as a subsidiary of Ravensburger North America. Co-founder Bill Ritchie remains as CCO, as well as all directors and staff. Universal is in talks to sell its stake in Oriental DreamWorks, the China-based joint venture animation company, according to … [Read more...] about M&A & Other Business

Spotlight: Kids’ Tech Toys

We had the chance to attend the Kids’ & Family Tech Expo in New York, where attendees showed off the latest in tech innovations to hit the toy shelves. The name of the game is STREAM, and to be more specific, programming and engineering. But while many toys were meant for a younger set, the price point was relatively high—targeting the pure-play offerings topping … [Read more...] about Spotlight: Kids’ Tech Toys

Roundup: Promotional Partnerships

Real Madrid's official console partner is Xbox. To celebrate, Xbox will host a series of events at Microsoft Stores throughout the U.S. during Real Madrid’s U.S. Summer Tour. Betty Boop is the new face of Foulbi Co., Ltd.'s J-esthetic—over 100 esthetic salons and day spas. The campaign includes a commercial as well as print and digital ads. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. … [Read more...] about Roundup: Promotional Partnerships

The State of Licensing In Mobile

Sanrio and Bandai Namco Entertainment team up for Hello Kitty ♥ PAC-MAN, a mobile game app and a limited edition merchandise collection including t-shirts, caps, socks, tote bags, pins, and collectible figures. SEGA Networks and WWE partner for WWE Tap Mania, a worldwide mobile game app that features a roster of past and present WWE Superstars facing off in the ring in … [Read more...] about The State of Licensing In Mobile

M&A: Coach, Pokémon & DHX

DHX Media acquires the entertainment division of Iconix Brand Group for $345 million, which includes a both an 80% controlling interest in Peanuts and 100% of Strawberry Shortcake. The remaining 20% interest in Peanuts will continue to be held by members of the family of Charles M. Schulz. The transaction is expected to close on or around June 30, 2017. The deal will give the … [Read more...] about M&A: Coach, Pokémon & DHX

TLL’s Guide to Video Game/Interactive/Online-based Properties

This sector includes videogames and videogame-based characters; online-originated properties such as virtual worlds, YouTube videos, blogs, webisodic series, Pinterest, Vine, Snapchat, Instagram, and other social media accounts, texting emoticons, and e-mail greeting cards; mobile apps; and other digital properties. In some cases, such as Pokémon, the licensing is split between … [Read more...] about TLL’s Guide to Video Game/Interactive/Online-based Properties

The Wild World of Emoji

We're issuing a correction for a description we printed in the January 2017 issue, regarding the emoji® brand from the Emoji Co. The amended brand description is below—as well as an overview of all the emoji-related properties we could find. Did we miss anything? Let us know! The links below provide full contact information in Licensing Sourcebook Online (LSBO). Note that the … [Read more...] about The Wild World of Emoji

Esports Coming to the Olympic Stage As Sales Go Up

The market for retail sales of licensed video games and software went up 2.2% to reach $3.07 billion in sales in 2016, according to TLL's 2017 Annual Licensing Business Survey. In contrast, video game-based licensing rose 3.5%. Esports provides a healthy boost in interest for older properties in particular, helping to maintain their relevance. All of the top video games in the … [Read more...] about Esports Coming to the Olympic Stage As Sales Go Up