By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Stock markets are in free fall globally, while top brands grapple with the fallout of new US trade tariffs announced by President Donald Trump on April 2. The tougher than expected tariffs are expected to impact on several sectors crucial to the global licensing industry, including the categories of toys, consumer electronics, … [Read more...] about The Brands and Categories Being Hit by ‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs
News & Trends
Who’s News: VIZ Media Announces Major Leadership Transition
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter VIZ Media has shifted Ken Sasaki to the role of chairman and executive advisor and Brad Woods to the role of president and CEO. Previously serving as the company's CEO, Sasaki led VIZ Media's expansion from a specialty publisher into one of the largest distributors of Japanese pop culture content in the West. Under his leadership, VIZ … [Read more...] about Who’s News: VIZ Media Announces Major Leadership Transition
Toy Foundation Welcomes Kathleen Campisano as Chair of Board of Trustees
TLL Staff The Toy Foundation has appointed Kathleen Campisano, global chief marketing officer and general manager of Beacon Media Group, as the new chair of its Board of Trustees. Taking the helm on February 28, Campisano will work alongside newly appointed Vice Chair Michael Keaton and the Foundation’s Executive Director Pam Mastrota to lead philanthropic initiatives that … [Read more...] about Toy Foundation Welcomes Kathleen Campisano as Chair of Board of Trustees
OECD Report: Tariff Trade Winds to Slow Global Economic Growth
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The global economy is in for a rough ride as US trade tariffs are expected to cause a widespread decline in GDP growth. The OECD (the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, representing the world's richest economies) headed their interim report in March with a photo of a ship being battered by heavy seas (above), a metaphor … [Read more...] about OECD Report: Tariff Trade Winds to Slow Global Economic Growth
Who’s News: The London Studio Appoints Jo Astles to Support Expansion Initiatives
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The London Studio has appointed Jo Astles as its new artist and licensing development manager to aid the company's ongoing expansion initiatives. Formerly serving as a licensing professional at the Bright Agency, Astles has developed a comprehensive skill set throughout her career that includes creative design, business management and … [Read more...] about Who’s News: The London Studio Appoints Jo Astles to Support Expansion Initiatives
San Diego Comic-Con Expands to Europe With Event in Málaga, Spain
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The hugely popular pop culture convention, San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), is set to make its European debut in Málaga, Spain. This historic expansion marks the first time in over 50 years that the convention will be held outside the United States. The announcement was made on March 10, 2025, during a launch event at the Gran Hotel Miramar in … [Read more...] about San Diego Comic-Con Expands to Europe With Event in Málaga, Spain
Who’s News: Freddie Lindsell Pursues Science of Licensing at Bulldog
TLL Staff Bulldog Licensing has announced the appointment of Freddie Lindsell as its new Licensing Coordinator. Freddie’s responsibilities will include supporting the team as a whole across the contract process and product approvals. This post has been created to help manage portfolio growth along with the ongoing evolution of service demands for the award-winning … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Freddie Lindsell Pursues Science of Licensing at Bulldog
Who’s News: Benjamin Bao Named VP of Wildbrain China
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter WildBrain has promoted Benjamin Bao to general manager at WildBrain China to support the company's expansion across the APAC region. "Both China and APAC are rapidly growing and exciting areas of opportunity for us, and we have always taken a bespoke approach to strategy and execution that works hand-in-hand with cultural nuance and … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Benjamin Bao Named VP of Wildbrain China
The LEGO Group Debuts Upcoming Product Collections at Toy Fair 2025
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The LEGO Group has unveiled an extensive portfolio of licensed products at Toy Fair 2025. The company's product assortment for 2025 includes more than 340 sets across 30 different themes, marking this year as LEGO's biggest collection yet. "Championing the power of play is core to the LEGO brand," said LEGO Group SVP, Jared Carr. "Designed … [Read more...] about The LEGO Group Debuts Upcoming Product Collections at Toy Fair 2025
Critics Say Europe’s ‘AI Act’ Fails to Protect Artists’ Copyright
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A key architect of EU copyright law says the legislation has failed to protect the copyright of writers, musicians and artists. Axel Voss is a German centre-right member of the European parliament, who played a major role in writing the EU's directive on copyright in 2019. However, he says the law was not intended to deal with generative AI … [Read more...] about Critics Say Europe’s ‘AI Act’ Fails to Protect Artists’ Copyright