By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The metaverse platform Roblox is suing the Hong Kong toy company WowWee for a line of toys it says were inspired by Roblox avatars. The suit is aimed at a new line of dolls called My Avastars (seen in above photo), scheduled for release in October through major retailers like Walmart, Target and Macy's. The case is among the first examples of … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Roblox Sues WowWee For Allegedly Selling Toys Based On Its IP
Licensing Law
Feature Report: Is There a Future for NFTs After Market Meltdown?
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief If you want to know how investors feel about NFTs right now, just follow the sound of the screaming. That should lead you to the hilariously apt Bear Market Screaming Therapy Group on Twitter and the communication app Telegram, where holders of Goblintown Ethereum NFTs (as= in the photo above) have gathered to post groans, howls, sobbing, … [Read more...] about Feature Report: Is There a Future for NFTs After Market Meltdown?
Licensing Law: Gibson Wins Landmark Trademark Ruling For Iconic Guitar Designs
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Legendary guitar-maker Gibson has won a huge victory in a trademark case, aptly decided by a jury in Nashville, aka Music City. As a result, the court has ordered an injunction permanently prohibiting Armadillo (aka Dean Guitars) from using Gibson's classic designs and marks, including the ES, SG, the Flying V, Explorer Trademarks, and … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Gibson Wins Landmark Trademark Ruling For Iconic Guitar Designs
Feature Report: Bored Apes Lawsuit May Set Precedent for IP Protection in NFTs
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Yuga Labs is suing a conceptual artist over allegations of copyright infringement of its Bored Ape Yacht Club line of NFTs. The case will be among the most hotly watched for legal experts in the nascent NFT sector, as courts struggle to establish clear copyright laws for non-fungible tokens. The dispute centers on Ryder Ripps, an artist … [Read more...] about Feature Report: Bored Apes Lawsuit May Set Precedent for IP Protection in NFTs
Who’s News: Licensing Vet Bill Patterson Joins Octane 5
Licensing software leader Octane 5 has announced experienced licensing executive Bill Patterson has joined its team. Octane5 is the company behind the BrandComply Licensing Enterprise Platform and VERITYTM Product Authentication products. Co-founder and co-president Mike Dunn says Patterson will take on the role of Executive Vice President, Product Authentication where he will … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Licensing Vet Bill Patterson Joins Octane 5
Feature Report: The Back Story of Hasbro’s Boardroom Victory Over Alta Fox
Activist Investor Says Hasbro Board Needs To Go, But The Licensing Letter's Analysis Shows Reason for Optimism By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Hasbro says shareholders voted by "a substantial margin" to re-elect all of 13 of the company's current directors. The apparent victory, released as preliminary results of the 2022 Annual Meeting, was a rebuke to a challenge by … [Read more...] about Feature Report: The Back Story of Hasbro’s Boardroom Victory Over Alta Fox
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
Epic Games and Microsoft Strike Blow Against Apple and Google
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The hit game Fortnite is returning to iOS and Android devices, thanks to an innovative licensing deal between Epic Games and Microsoft. The deal also strikes a blow against the closed environment of Apple's App Store and Alphabet's Google Play store, which currently hold a monopoly on app payments for those platforms. The deal will see … [Read more...] about Epic Games and Microsoft Strike Blow Against Apple and Google
Licensing Partnerships: LMCA and Stobbs Form Joint Venture in Europe
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The brand licensing agency LMCA is expanding into Europe in an innovative partnership with the IP law firm Stobbs. The new partners say their collaboration will offer clients in Europe a powerful new way to promote and protect their brands. LMCA is one of the world's largest licensing agencies, with its HQ in New York and branch offices in … [Read more...] about Licensing Partnerships: LMCA and Stobbs Form Joint Venture in Europe
NBA’s Latest NFT Offering Marred by Hackers
The NBA has been a leader in the NFT craze, but its latest offering was disrupted by hackers who took down the entire collection. The NBA began minting its collection of 18,000 NFTs last week, with 75 NFTs created for each player in the 16 participating teams. The NFTs also have some unique attributes. As with actual players, these NFTs don't stay static, as the NFT traits will … [Read more...] about NBA’s Latest NFT Offering Marred by Hackers