By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Advanced artificial intelligence programs from companies like Aquifer Motion are allowing fictional characters to engage directly with their fans, ushering in a new type of licensing. TLL first covered Aquifer Motion in October last year when the company signed a deal with licensor Cloudco Entertainment to create personalized messages for … [Read more...] about Aquifer Motion Uses AI to Allow Characters to Engage With Fans
News & Trends
Arc’teryx Wins Injunction Over Adidas’ Terrex Store in Vancouver
Judge Cites Store Location on Same Block as Aggravating Factor By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The Canadian outdoor company Arc'teryx just won a temporary injunction barring Adidas from using the name 'Terrex' on its flagship store in Vancouver. In what the judge in the case described as a "David vs. Goliath" battle over trademark infringement, the Supreme Court … [Read more...] about Arc’teryx Wins Injunction Over Adidas’ Terrex Store in Vancouver
Jewel Introducing New Products and Events at Atlanta Market
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Jewel Branding & Licensing (JBL) is introducing an array of new licensed products and events at the Atlanta Market. The Atlanta Market is a trade show, networking and wholesale event for members of the home furnishings, gift and design industries. The trade event features thousands of different brands, retailers and designers from more than … [Read more...] about Jewel Introducing New Products and Events at Atlanta Market
Spin Master Completes $950 Million Purchase of Melissa and Doug
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Spin Master isn't going back to the future, but instead opted to go forward into the past, in its acquisition of US toy maker Melissa & Doug. The celebrated toyco is known for its focus on classic toys, such as crafts, pretend play, and the wooden toys that Melissa & Doug are famed for. In a world where the metaverse, video … [Read more...] about Spin Master Completes $950 Million Purchase of Melissa and Doug
The Story Behind Hasbro’s Holiday Sale of Entertainment One
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief While the rest of us were chowing down on leftover turkey and napping on the in-law's couch in a tryptophan-induced coma, Hasbro and Lionsgate were busy inking a deal for the sale of Entertainment One. Hasbro announced on December 27 it had completed the sale to Lionsgate for $375 million in cash, with Liongate also assuming all current … [Read more...] about The Story Behind Hasbro’s Holiday Sale of Entertainment One
Authentic Selects BRJ Group to Run Boardriders in Japan and Taiwan
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Authentic Brands Group has entered a new agreement with BRJ Group to run its Boardriders business operations in Japan and Taiwan. Boardriders encompasses a portfolio of high-profile sports lifestyle brands including Quiksilver, Billabong, Roxy, RVCA, DC Shoes, Element and Von Zipper. Authentic officially acquired the Boardriders business and … [Read more...] about Authentic Selects BRJ Group to Run Boardriders in Japan and Taiwan
Ralph Lauren Announces Strategic Collaboration for Luxury Furniture
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Ralph Lauren is entering a long-term licensing partnership with Haworth Lifestyle Design to support the company's increased expansion into the homeware category. Initially introduced in 1983, Ralph Lauren’s Home collection includes a wide variety of luxury home goods. This includes high-quality, Italian-made products such as furniture, … [Read more...] about Ralph Lauren Announces Strategic Collaboration for Luxury Furniture
The Tolkien Lawsuit: One Copyright to Rule Them All
JRR Tolkien Estate Wins Two Lawsuits Against Author Infringing on Its IP By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The Estate of JRR Tolkien has successfully won two US court rulings concerning copyright infringement on The Lord of the Rings book series. The subject of the copyright infringement court cases concerned an unauthorized sequel novel called The Fellowship of the … [Read more...] about The Tolkien Lawsuit: One Copyright to Rule Them All
Kidscreen’s Hot50 Ranks Top Kids Entertainment Companies
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The official list for this year’s Kidscreen Hot50 rankings has been released to mark the top 50 kids entertainment companies of 2023.Now in its 10th year, the Kidscreen Hot50 rankings are determined by an industry vote from Kidscreen subscribers across both its print and digital platforms. The list separates the Kidscreen Hot50 into five top 10 … [Read more...] about Kidscreen’s Hot50 Ranks Top Kids Entertainment Companies
Women in Toys Announces Key Changes to Its Board of Directors
TLL Staff Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment (WiT) has announced key changes to its Board of Directors, including the appointment of a new board chair. The organization says this move underscores WiT’s ongoing commitment to championing the advancement of women in the toy, licensing and entertainment industries. Effective Jan. 1, 2024, Ehi Oviasu-Kahn (pictured … [Read more...] about Women in Toys Announces Key Changes to Its Board of Directors