Disney has been getting back into the publishing business in a big way in recent years, but the acquisition of several publishing houses has also brought some headaches in the form of writers who say they are owed unpaid royalties. Half a dozen writers' organizations have joined the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA) in forming the task force, which is … [Read more...] about Writers Form #DisneyMustPay Task Force In Royalty Dispute
Licensing Law
Topps Releases the Monster of All NFTs
Collectibles Leader Topps Digital Issuing Godzilla NFT Collectibles on March 31 If you've been reading a lot about NFTs and were wondering when it would hit the world of licensing ... it already has, as collectibles firm Topps Digital continues to introduce exciting new products on the WAX Blockchain. Tomorrow, on March 31, Topps will conintue to build on its reputation as … [Read more...] about Topps Releases the Monster of All NFTs
Brands Cut Ties With Vlog Squad’s David Dobrik Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief At least 10 companies have dropped all ties with popular YouTube star David Dobrik and his troupe of video pranksters the 'Vlog Squad' after a Business Insider report chronicled allegations of sexual misconduct. Dobrik is a comedian who pranks the unwary in Los Angeles with his Vlog Squad, and garnered millions of Youtube views. He put the … [Read more...] about Brands Cut Ties With Vlog Squad’s David Dobrik Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Spotify Removes K-Pop Songs in Licensing Debacle
If you're a big K-pop fan with a Spotify account, you're probably not too happy today. Thanks to a breakdown in licensing talks, songs from some of the world's biggest K-pop stars have vanished from Spotify's music library after talks between the streamer and Korean distributor Kakao M hit a brick wall. Some of the acts affected include many of Korea's most popular acts, … [Read more...] about Spotify Removes K-Pop Songs in Licensing Debacle
Google Gives Ground in War Over Who Pays For News
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief US tech giant Google has announced a new policy to pay for some licensed news content in the UK, after coming under intense fire in Europe and Australia for allegedly profiting from news content without compensating the news organizations that produce that content. Google is now faced with new legislation that could force it to pay massive … [Read more...] about Google Gives Ground in War Over Who Pays For News
Under Armour Ending Licensing Deal With NFL
Sports clothing and equipment company Under Armour is preparing to end its licensing contract with the National Football League, according to a report in the Financial Times. Under Armour has not officially confirmed the contract termination, but the Financial Times reported this week the deal will end later this year. The company's licensing deal with the NFL allowed the brand … [Read more...] about Under Armour Ending Licensing Deal With NFL
TikTok And Universal Expand Their Musical Alliance
Universal Music Group (UMG) has entered into a landmark agreement with TikTok that will continue its transformation of the way music is marketed and sold. As earlier reported in The Licensing Letter, TikTok has entered into a number of music licensing agreements with publishers that allow its users to combine popular song tracks with their short videos on the social media … [Read more...] about TikTok And Universal Expand Their Musical Alliance
BBC Adopts Brainbase Licensing Tech for Bluey Franchise
BBC Studios has announced a partnership with Brainbase to use that company's software for end-to-end IP management, and will initially use the technology for its breakout hit Bluey. The BBC says Brainbase Assist will be used to streamline and manage their global licensing business for the popular kid's show Bluey, which airs in the U.S. on Disney Junior and Disney Channel and … [Read more...] about BBC Adopts Brainbase Licensing Tech for Bluey Franchise
Licensing Legal Dispute Ended By Settlement
Two toy companies have peacefully resolved their licensing dispute after the parties recently obtained a ruling in court. The two companies have released a joint statement saying in part, "GennComm LLC (“GennComm”) and Beverly Hills Teddy Bear Company (“BHTB”) are pleased to announce that they have reached a mutually satisfactory resolution of long-pending intellectual … [Read more...] about Licensing Legal Dispute Ended By Settlement
Legal Watch: Sears & Patagonia File Suit, SCOTUS Reevaluates TM Law
Contact the editor at karina@plainlanguagemedia.com Sears Holding sets its sights on two dozen targets in a lawsuit alleging they illegally asset-stripped the former owner of Sears and Kmart to the tune of $2 billion in gain in the years leading up to its Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Named defendants include former head Edward Lampert, his hedge fund ESL Investments, and former ESL … [Read more...] about Legal Watch: Sears & Patagonia File Suit, SCOTUS Reevaluates TM Law