By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A federal trade court has ordered U.S. Customs and Border Protection to begin issuing refunds with interest on more than $130 billion in tariffs ruled illegal by the Supreme Court last month. The decision, which rejected a request by the Trump administration to delay implementation of refunds, could significantly impact retailers and … [Read more...] about Court Order for Tariff Refunds A Boon to Licensors and Retailers
News & Trends
Who’s News: Sesame Workshop Appoints New SVP of Strategy & Transformation
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Sesame Workshop has announced the promotion of Nishita Gupte to serve as its senior vice president of strategy and transformation. In this new role, Gupte will lead the development and execution of the organization’s long-term strategy to adapt to the evolving landscape of modern childhood experiences. Her work will focus on … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Sesame Workshop Appoints New SVP of Strategy & Transformation
Licensing Expo Returns With Focus on Sports and Fashion
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Licensing Expo returns to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center May 19-21 with an expanded roster of exhibitors. Now in its 45th year, the event organized by Informa Markets will host major brands including Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery, The Pokémon Company, Paramount Global, LEGO, Mattel, and Hasbro, alongside new participants such as … [Read more...] about Licensing Expo Returns With Focus on Sports and Fashion
Canada’s Hot Fashion Brand Aritzia Acquires Fred Segal
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Canadian fashion giant Aritzia has leveraged its continued strength to acquire the U.S. brand Fred Segal, as well as the lease for its landmark location on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles. Aritzia Inc. announced the acquisition of Fred Segal on Thursday, but did not reveal any financial terms for the deal, which sees a venerable fashion … [Read more...] about Canada’s Hot Fashion Brand Aritzia Acquires Fred Segal
Wasserman Talent Agency Faces Artist Backlash Over the Epstein Files
Pop Star Chappell Roan First to Leave the Wasserman Agency Photo caption: Casey Wasserman, seen here at his appointment at the White House to the Los Angeles Olympics task force, has apologized for emails he sent to Ghislaine Maxwell, long before her conviction for sex crimes related to the Jeffrey Epstein case. Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian. By Gary … [Read more...] about Wasserman Talent Agency Faces Artist Backlash Over the Epstein Files
Opinion: Be Part of the Change at the POC Conference 2026
By Kathryn Brand For Products of Change After the Products of Change Conference saw its biggest year yet in 2025, with record-breaking attendance from an increasing number of countries, and an unmatched speaker line-up, the POC Conference is returning to the Royal Geographical Society, London, on November 11, 2026. Get your tickets here. The changes that Products of … [Read more...] about Opinion: Be Part of the Change at the POC Conference 2026
Who’s News: WildBrain CPLG Appoints Marie Kopp as VP for APAC and MENA
TLL Staff WildBrain CPLG has appointed veteran licensing executive Marie Kopp as its new vice president for Asia-Pacific (APAC). Kopp will be tasked with leading the agency’s next phase of growth across APAC and MENA, excluding Greater China. Kopp assumes the role effective immediately and will be based in Singapore. She reports to Maarten Weck, WildBrain’s EVP, Global … [Read more...] about Who’s News: WildBrain CPLG Appoints Marie Kopp as VP for APAC and MENA
Corporate Drama: Netflix Sweetens Warner Bros. Deal With All Cash Offer
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The takeover battle for Warner Bros. Discovery has more twists and turns than a Netflix mystery drama. The latest plot twist sees Netflix staving off a competing but hostile bid from Paramount Skydance by offering an all cash offer to buy out WBD for $82.7 million. Netflix and Warner say the revised agreement simplifies the … [Read more...] about Corporate Drama: Netflix Sweetens Warner Bros. Deal With All Cash Offer
Who’s News: Funko Appoints Night CEO Reed Duchscher to Board
TLL Staff Funko says Night CEO Reed Duchscher has joined its board of directors, as longtime director Mike Lunsford steps down. Duchscher is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Night, a talent management and venture platform that partners with influential creators, artists, and brands. "I'm excited to be joining Funko at a time where the culture, entertainment, and … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Funko Appoints Night CEO Reed Duchscher to Board
Why Matthew McConaughey Trademarked the Phrase “All Right, All Right, All Right”
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Caption: Matthew McConaughey (right) in a scene from the film 'Dazed and Confused'. Image credit: Universal Studios. The Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey has trademarked his image and voice, including the famous movie catch phrase "All right, all right, all right." The reason? McConaughey reportedly didn't want people duplicating … [Read more...] about Why Matthew McConaughey Trademarked the Phrase “All Right, All Right, All Right”