TLL Staff The Toy Association has announced President and CEO Steve Pasierb is stepping down from his role at the organization in the spring of 2024. His current contract will expire in April, following nearly a decade of leadership with the trade organization. “It has been a distinct honor and privilege to serve in the role of President & CEO of The Toy … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Steve Pasierb Stepping Down as Toy Association CEO
News & Trends
Real Life ‘Joker’ Threatens Lawsuit For Use of His Likeness in GTA 6
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A Florida man who tattooed his face to resemble the DC character The Joker says the Grand Theft Auto game used his likeness in a promotional trailer. Lawrence Sullivan is demanding millions in damages, claiming video game studio Rockstar Games used his likeness in a recent trailer for the latest instalment of the massively popular … [Read more...] about Real Life ‘Joker’ Threatens Lawsuit For Use of His Likeness in GTA 6
CBC News Investigation Alleges Artificial Intelligence Violated Author’s Copyright
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief (Disclosure: The writer of this article was formerly a member of the Investigative Unit at CBC News, ending in 2008) An investigation by CBC News says the work of Canadian authors were shared online as part of a dataset used for training artificial intelligence software. The Canadian broadcaster found that at least 2,500 copyrighted books … [Read more...] about CBC News Investigation Alleges Artificial Intelligence Violated Author’s Copyright
Jazwares Acquires Australian Toy Distribution Company
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Jazwares has acquired the Australian toy distribution company Big Balloon as part of its continued strategy for global expansion."The company’s leadership, combined with the cultural alignment and our mutual passion for brands, made this the natural evolution for both our businesses," said Big Balloon co-founder, Chris Loverso. "As team … [Read more...] about Jazwares Acquires Australian Toy Distribution Company
A Goodbye Kiss Heralds the Arrival of Kiss Virtual Avatars
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The venerable glam rock band Kiss has played their final concert, but announced the band will live on indefinitely as digitized avatars. The quartet that rose from New York City decades ago returned home to play their final live concerts over the weekend at Madison Square Garden, capping a half-century of rocking all night and … [Read more...] about A Goodbye Kiss Heralds the Arrival of Kiss Virtual Avatars
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