The Licensing Letter

News & Trends

Study Says Licensed Merch Sales Hits Record $356.5B in 2023

Licensing International Releases Executive Summary of 2024 Global Licensing Industry Study By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Global sales for licensing hit a new high in 2023 of $356.5 billion, up 4.6% increase over the previous year, according to a new study released by Licensing International. The global licensing association has just unveiled the executive summary … [Read more...] about Study Says Licensed Merch Sales Hits Record $356.5B in 2023

All The Winners of the 2024 Licensing Excellence Awards

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Licensing Expo started off with a bang as the winners of the 2024 Licensing Excellence Awards were unveiled by Licensing International. The winners were selected from 197 finalists in 32 categories. More than 800 submissions were received, narrowed down by an expert global judging panel of 200 judges from 20 countries. The … [Read more...] about All The Winners of the 2024 Licensing Excellence Awards

Casey Collins to Head Global Licensed Consumer Products at Hasbro

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Toyco giant Hasbro has promoted Casey Collins to head its sprawling licensed consumer products program worldwide. Collins was named as the new President of Global Licensed Consumer Products and Partnership/Alliances. Hasbro says that in this new position Collins will be focused on managing Hasbro’s key, high-level strategic partnerships, … [Read more...] about Casey Collins to Head Global Licensed Consumer Products at Hasbro

Who’s News: Hidden Pigeon Company Announces Two New Executive Appointments

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Hidden Pigeon Company (HPC) has appointed Tori Cook as its new SVP of franchise management and Paula Allen as its new publishing consultant. Founded in early 2023 by children’s author Mo Willems, Stampede Ventures and RedBird Capital Partners, HPC is an entertainment media company that focuses on expanding Willems IP to reach new  platforms and … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Hidden Pigeon Company Announces Two New Executive Appointments

RWS Global Acquires Great Big Events, Launches New Sports Division

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Big news in the world of experiential licensing today, as live entertainment giant RWS Global has acquired Great Big Events. The deal combines RWS, arguably the world leader in live entertainment productions, with Great Big Events, which is among the world's top sports event production companies. RWS Global creates customized … [Read more...] about RWS Global Acquires Great Big Events, Launches New Sports Division

Mediawan and ZAG Partner on New ‘Miraculous Corp’

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Mediawan and Zag have created a new, offshoot company to manage and expand their highly successful Miraculous franchise. Called Miraculous Corp, the company is a joint venture between ZAG and Mediawan, designed to fuel an expansion of the brand's superhero universe. "This groundbreaking joint-venture between Mediawan and ZAG reunites all … [Read more...] about Mediawan and ZAG Partner on New ‘Miraculous Corp’

Who’s News: Funko Names Cynthia Williams as New CEO and Board Member

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The Funko brand has appointed experienced industry professional, Cynthia Williams, as its new CEO and executive board member. Funko is a pop culture lifestyle company that designs, sources and distributes licensed pop culture products across multiple categories such as  vinyl figures, toys, plush, apparel, home goods, accessories and more. … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Funko Names Cynthia Williams as New CEO and Board Member

Must Read: Supreme Court Rules Against Warner Music in Copyright Case

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Photo by Sunira Moses The US Supreme Court found there is no time limit for damages in copyright cases, ruling against Warner Music in a precedent-setting lawsuit. The Supreme Court on Thursday ruled in favor of Miami-based music producer Sherman Nealy, who became embroiled in a legal battle with Warner Music over a song by the popular … [Read more...] about Must Read: Supreme Court Rules Against Warner Music in Copyright Case

Cronus Global to Rep emoji company in US and Canada

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The folks at Cronus Global have a smile on their faces today, as the agency has been appointed by the emoji company for the US and Canada. “We’re excited to partner with Cronus Global, a leading licensing agency known for its innovative strategies in brand development,” said Marco Huesges, CEO and founder of the emoji company GmbH. … [Read more...] about Cronus Global to Rep emoji company in US and Canada