By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Rapper and music producer Timbaland has launched an AI entertainment company, Stage Zero, which will manage its first 'signee', an AI pop artist named TaTa (pictured here). In doing so, Timbaland has also plunged the rest of the world into a Black Mirror episode that—unlike TaTa—is unfortunately very real. Stage Zero, co-founded by Rocky … [Read more...] about Opinion: Timbaland’s New AI Pop Star ‘TaTa’ Ushers in the Age of the Uncanny Valley
News & Trends
Taylor Swift Reclaims Ownership of Her First Six Albums
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Taylor Swift has officially regained ownership of the master recordings of her first six albums, marking the end of a lengthy dispute over the rights to her early music. Swift announced the acquisition on her official website, calling it a long-awaited resolution. “All of the music I've ever made now belongs to me,” she wrote, describing … [Read more...] about Taylor Swift Reclaims Ownership of Her First Six Albums
Products of Change Highlighted Sustainability at Licensing Expo
By Kathryn Brand Editor, Products of Change The Products of Change team was out in full force at Expo, between holding the fort at our booth showcasing the UN’s 17 SDGs and how are members are activating them, to walking the show floor, attending meetings, and hosting panel sessions on the main stage and Networking Hub. With so many engaged attendees coming by the stand to … [Read more...] about Products of Change Highlighted Sustainability at Licensing Expo
Who’s News: Wasserman Music Hires Two New Executives
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Wasserman Music has added two executive hires to its hip-hop and R&B division to expand its global festivals and artist representation teams. The two appointments to the division include Jazmyn Griffin as the new director of the company's global festivals team and Tessie Lammle as director and agent for hip-hop and R&B artist … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Wasserman Music Hires Two New Executives
Expo Wrap-up: Licensing Industry Unites After a Solid Year of Growth
Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Licensing Expo 2025 concluded this week in Las Vegas, drawing more than 12,000 industry professionals from around the world. This year's Expo highlighted the continued momentum of the global licensing industry, which grew by $13 billion in the past year. Organized by Informa Markets' Global Licensing Group and sponsored by Licensing … [Read more...] about Expo Wrap-up: Licensing Industry Unites After a Solid Year of Growth
Expo Roundup: Deals and Events From the 2025 Licensing Expo
Compiled by TLL Staff Tariff Turbulence and Retail Trends Headline Licensing Expo The first two days of Licensing Expo 2025 in Las Vegas spotlighted the continued uncertainty surrounding global tariffs and their impact on the consumer products industry. While some recent tariff news suggests easing may be on the horizon, concerns remain high among brand owners, … [Read more...] about Expo Roundup: Deals and Events From the 2025 Licensing Expo
Licensing International Announces 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees
TLL Staff Licensing International today announced its 2025 Hall of Fame inductees, recognizing a distinguished group of executives and creators for their contributions to the global brand licensing industry. This year’s honorees include corporate leaders, cultural icons, and creative pioneers whose work has helped shape and grow the $369 billion global licensing market. The … [Read more...] about Licensing International Announces 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees
Expo News: Global Brand Licensing Sales Reach $369.6 Billion in 2024
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief (Photo credit: Licensing International) Global sales of licensed products and services grew by 3.7% to $369.6 billion in 2024, according to a summary of Licensing International’s 2025 Global Licensing Industry Study. The findings were announced this week ahead of the Licensing Expo in Las Vegas, with Licensing International President Maura … [Read more...] about Expo News: Global Brand Licensing Sales Reach $369.6 Billion in 2024
Winners of 2025 Licensing International Excellence Awards Revealed
Related News: Licensing International Announces 2025 Hall of Fame Inductees TLL Staff The global brand licensing industry gathered in Las Vegas to celebrate the winners of the 2025 Licensing International Excellence Awards. The award winners were revealed during a ceremony preceding this year’s Licensing Expo, which runs May 20–22 in Las Vegas. Recognizing innovation … [Read more...] about Winners of 2025 Licensing International Excellence Awards Revealed
‘One Piece’ Returns to Light Up Las Vegas During Licensing Expo 2025
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The popular anime franchise One Piece will once again illuminate the Las Vegas skyline this month as part of a special activation timed with Licensing Expo 2025. Toei Animation just announced that a custom animation celebrating One Piece will be displayed on the Exosphere—the massive LED-covered exterior of the Sphere in Las Vegas—from May … [Read more...] about ‘One Piece’ Returns to Light Up Las Vegas During Licensing Expo 2025