By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Society of Product Licensors Committed to Excellence (SPLiCE) is addressing the challenges of global licensing at its International Conference 2022. SPLiCE CEO Kimberly Kociencki says the annual conference is a key learning experience for licensors, as it brings together an impressive array of experts in the field. “The SPLICE … [Read more...] about SPLiCE Going Global, Hosting International Conference 2022
Licensing Law
TLL Exclusive: SPLiCE Says Landmark Ruling An Existential Threat to Licensing Industry
Black + Decker and Walmart Lose Appeal in Class Action Lawsuit Main Takeaways: Black + Decker and Walmart are successfully sued for selling a coffeemaker that was branded by Black + Decker, but manufactured by licensee Applica Consumer Products SPLiCE contends the ruling could “potentially undermine the licensing industry as a whole” SPLiCE Corporate Counsel warns, “If … [Read more...] about TLL Exclusive: SPLiCE Says Landmark Ruling An Existential Threat to Licensing Industry
Licensing Law: Lindt Triumphs in Battle of the Bunnies
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief If you live in a country that celebrates Easter, you've seen them. Rank after rank after rank of sparkling golden bunnies, their gilt foil concealing the decadent Swiss chocolate underneath. What you may not have known is that Lindt's legendary Easter bunny confections have been involved in more than one pitched battle over copyright and … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Lindt Triumphs in Battle of the Bunnies
Warner Music Investigating Subsidiary’s Actions in Russia
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Warner Music is investigating allegations that one of its subsidiaries continued to operate in Russia after the company suspended its operations. Those allegations were made in an exclusive investigative report by The Guardian newspaper. According to the report, at least one executive at the Warner subsidiary ADA Russia "... continued to try … [Read more...] about Warner Music Investigating Subsidiary’s Actions in Russia
Update: Trademark Filings Reveal Kanye West’s Licensing Strategy
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief New trademark filings by Kanye West may help reveal the music star's long-term goals, particularly after he terminated his licensing relationship with Gap Inc. According to a report from the entertainment gossip show TMZ, the rapper's company Mascotte Holdings has filed trademarks for a variety of apparel items, including jackets, hats, … [Read more...] about Update: Trademark Filings Reveal Kanye West’s Licensing Strategy
Licensing Law: Kanye West Ends Partnership With Gap
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Rapper and entrepreneur Kanye West has abruptly ended his relationship with Gap Inc., accusing the company of failing to meet its obligations. West's lawyers sent a letter to Gap on Thursday notifying it of a termination of the partnership. West alleges Gap breached its agreement with West (also known as Ye) by not selling the Yeezy … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Kanye West Ends Partnership With Gap
Licensing Law: Naked Nevermind Baby Loses Nirvana Lawsuit
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A California court has ruled against a man who claims the cover artwork on Nirvana's 1991 grunge rock album Nevermind is child pornography. The ruling comes after Spencer Elden, now 31, sued the band over allegations of "commercial child sexual exploitation," after his image was used on the album's cover. That cover is considered among the … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Naked Nevermind Baby Loses Nirvana Lawsuit
Spotify, Apple and Other Streamers Sign Landmark Music Royalty Agreement
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Musicians and music streamers have come to what some call an historic new agreement on higher royalty rates. The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA), the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), and the Digital Media Association (DiMA) announced they've agreed to a settlement for certain mechanical streaming rates … [Read more...] about Spotify, Apple and Other Streamers Sign Landmark Music Royalty Agreement
Commentary: Russia Reopens Former Starbucks Outlets With Familiar Logo
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief It wasn't just Ukraine that was invaded by Russia in February, as Western brands exited the country only to see their former outlets and factories taken over by local operators. The latest 'invasion' saw a Russian restauranteur and a local rapper unveiling Russia's new 'Stars Coffee' franchise last Thursday, under an awfully familiar logo. The … [Read more...] about Commentary: Russia Reopens Former Starbucks Outlets With Familiar Logo
Licensing Law: Roblox Sues WowWee For Allegedly Selling Toys Based On Its IP
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