By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Artificial intelligence is turning the licensing world on its head, and this week saw major announcements from YouTube and the artist Grimes. The Google-owned YouTube streaming service has licensed the voices of John Legend and Sia for AI-created soundtracks, while Grimes' company Create Safe is creating a new tool for publishing and … [Read more...] about Two Major Advances in Generative Music AI Announced by YouTube and Grimes
News & Trends
Two Men Arrested As Feds Seize $1 Billion in Counterfeit Designer Goods
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Federal prosecutors arrested two men Nov. 15 in what they say was the largest-ever seizure of counterfeit goods in US history. The investigators seized more than 200,000 counterfeit handbags, clothes and other luxury items worth $1.03 billion. The indictments of Adama Sow and Abdulaj Jalloh were unsealed, … [Read more...] about Two Men Arrested As Feds Seize $1 Billion in Counterfeit Designer Goods
ZAG Appoints New Franchise Marketing Director
A new Franchise Marketing Director has been appointed by ZAG, a global independent animation studio that produces popular brands such as Miraculous and Ghostforce. Michael Berreth, a veteran industry marketing executive who has worked on Disney’s Winnie-the-Pooh and Strawberry Shortcake, will be in charge of developing and implementing marketing strategies for ZAG’s brands … [Read more...] about ZAG Appoints New Franchise Marketing Director
Licensing Law: Shelby Wins Trademark Fight Over the GT 500 Mustang Brand
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A California court has put Shelby back in the driver's seat for brand ownership of the legendary GT500 Shelby Mustang. In a story that seems like it was pulled from a film script, the Shelby Trust has been fighting for a decade to win back its trademark, which was claimed by the producer of three Hollywood films that featured the car. It … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Shelby Wins Trademark Fight Over the GT 500 Mustang Brand
Longest Ever Actors Strike Ends With “Historic Agreement”
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The entertainment and licensing industries breathed a collective sigh of relief as the longest actors strike in history came to an end at 12:01 a.m. on Nov. 9. SAG-AFTRA negotiators have approved a tentative agreement with film and TV studios, and on Wednesday called an end to the 118 day strike. The union's negotiating committee approved … [Read more...] about Longest Ever Actors Strike Ends With “Historic Agreement”
Who’s News: Wildbrain Restructures Company With New Executive Appointments
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter WildBrain has announced changes to its executive team to align with the company's new business strategy and structure.The company says its new business structure will consolidate many aspects of Wildbrain's operations into three distinct divisions. These divisions include content creation, audience engagement and global licensing.The new … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Wildbrain Restructures Company With New Executive Appointments
Who’s News: Brand Central Promotes Several Execs as Company Grows
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Three execs at Brand Central were promoted this week as the licensing agency posts more growth in 2023. Brand Central is among the world's largest licensing agencies by revenue, and a top player in the food and beverage sector in particular. However, it also has seen rapid growth in other parts of its business, particularly in manufacturing … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Brand Central Promotes Several Execs as Company Grows
Who’s News: UFC Promotes Meghan Mernin to VP of Licensing
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter UFC is promoting Meghan Mernin to the position of VP of licensing for global consumer products.Since Mernin initially joined UFC in 2021, she has worked to drive new business for the MMA organization and establish a specialized licensing program for the company's niche market.Mernin has also been responsible for securing and directing UFC’s … [Read more...] about Who’s News: UFC Promotes Meghan Mernin to VP of Licensing
In Memoriam: Global Toy Industry Mourns Passing of Richard Gottlieb
Editor's Note, from Gary Symons, editor at The Licensing Letter. It is with sadness that we at TLL heard the news of our friend and colleague Richard Gottlieb passing away. The CEO at Global Toy Experts and Global Toy News was among the very first people to call me when I started working at The Licensing Letter. Richard was incredibly knowledgeable about the industry, so … [Read more...] about In Memoriam: Global Toy Industry Mourns Passing of Richard Gottlieb
Top Toy Companies Double Down on Upgraded Permanent Stands at Spielwarenmesse
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The world's largest toy fair, Spielwarenmesse, says 21 large companies have extended their tenancy in the 'permanent stands' in Hall 12.2 at the Nuremberg Conference Centre. Spielwarenmesse offers something very different for major exhibitors in the toy industry, which is seldom seen at any other trade show. The permanent stands in … [Read more...] about Top Toy Companies Double Down on Upgraded Permanent Stands at Spielwarenmesse