The Licensing Letter

News & Trends

Who’s News: PlayMonster Appoints New Chief Commercial Officer

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter PlayMonster has appointed former Mattel exec Brian Fitzharris as the company's new chief commercial officer. PlayMonster Group is an international company that specializes in manufacturing and marketing products such as toys, games, puzzles and more. “At PlayMonster, where our relentless commitment to growth and innovation propels us forward, … [Read more...] about Who’s News: PlayMonster Appoints New Chief Commercial Officer

Who’s News: Crayola Continues Licensing with Key Executive Hires

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Crayola has appointed new executive hires to support the growth of its global licensing and LBE businesses. The new executive hires include Anna Roca, Jonathan Linn, Gabby Munoz, and Thomas Dimech.“These changes will enable new licensed promotions and partnerships, increase our focus on licensed retail development around the globe, and … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Crayola Continues Licensing with Key Executive Hires

Google Reaches Agreement to Pay Canadian Media For News Content

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Canadian government and Google have just reached a landmark agreement that will see the search giant paying for news content. Canadian media outlets, including CBC News, are reporting today that Google and the federal government have resolved their dispute over the Online News Act, according to sources. CBC reports … [Read more...] about Google Reaches Agreement to Pay Canadian Media For News Content

Trade Shows: Get Your Tickets Now For the Spielwarenmesse Toy Fair

TLL Staff Spielwarenmesse, the world’s leading toy fair, has announced that tickets for its upcoming 73rd event trade show are now on sale. The event, which will take place from 30 January to 3 February 2024 in Nuremberg, is the world's largest toy fair, and is expected to attract a large crowd of international toy sector representatives this year under the motto ‘Feel … [Read more...] about Trade Shows: Get Your Tickets Now For the Spielwarenmesse Toy Fair

Who’s News: Wildbrain Hires Key Talent For In-House Services and German Operations

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter   Wildbrain CPLG has added two top executives to bolster its in-house services and commercial teams in London and Munich, respectively. In London, Clare Vosper Mortimer has joined WildBrain CPLG’s in-house services team in the new role of VP, Finance and Operations. She will oversee the company’s finance function and … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Wildbrain Hires Key Talent For In-House Services and German Operations

Two Major Advances in Generative Music AI Announced by YouTube and Grimes

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Artificial intelligence is turning the licensing world on its head, and this week saw major announcements from YouTube and the artist Grimes. The Google-owned YouTube streaming service has licensed the voices of John Legend and Sia for AI-created soundtracks, while Grimes' company Create Safe is creating a new tool for publishing and … [Read more...] about Two Major Advances in Generative Music AI Announced by YouTube and Grimes

Two Men Arrested As Feds Seize $1 Billion in Counterfeit Designer Goods

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Federal prosecutors arrested two men Nov. 15 in what they say was the largest-ever seizure of counterfeit goods in US history. The investigators seized more than 200,000 counterfeit handbags, clothes and other luxury items worth $1.03 billion. The indictments of Adama Sow and Abdulaj Jalloh were unsealed, … [Read more...] about Two Men Arrested As Feds Seize $1 Billion in Counterfeit Designer Goods

ZAG Appoints New Franchise Marketing Director

A new Franchise Marketing Director has been appointed by ZAG, a global independent animation studio that produces popular brands such as Miraculous and Ghostforce. Michael Berreth, a veteran industry marketing executive who has worked on Disney’s Winnie-the-Pooh and Strawberry Shortcake, will be in charge of developing and implementing marketing strategies for ZAG’s brands … [Read more...] about ZAG Appoints New Franchise Marketing Director

Licensing Law: Shelby Wins Trademark Fight Over the GT 500 Mustang Brand

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A California court has put Shelby back in the driver's seat for brand ownership of the legendary GT500 Shelby Mustang. In a story that seems like it was pulled from a film script, the Shelby Trust has been fighting for a decade to win back its trademark, which was claimed by the producer of three Hollywood films that featured the car. It … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Shelby Wins Trademark Fight Over the GT 500 Mustang Brand

Longest Ever Actors Strike Ends With “Historic Agreement”

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The entertainment and licensing industries breathed a collective sigh of relief as the longest actors strike in history came to an end at 12:01 a.m. on Nov. 9. SAG-AFTRA negotiators have approved a tentative agreement with film and TV studios, and on Wednesday called an end to the 118 day strike. The union's negotiating committee approved … [Read more...] about Longest Ever Actors Strike Ends With “Historic Agreement”