By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Toy giant LEGO says it will not allow commercial use of its iconic mini-figures for animated videos that are commercial in nature. The statement comes in the recent 'Leggo My LEGO' dispute, in which LEGO sent a cease and desist letter to the band LS Dunes, demanding they take down a recent music video. The reason? The band, whose members … [Read more...] about UPDATE: LEGO Issues Statement In “Leggo My LEGO” Dispute With Punk Rockers
News & Trends
Sports Card Company Panini Sues Rival Fanatics Over Antitrust Allegations
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Panini America filed a suit Thursday against Fanatics, accusing the larger company of trying to create a trading card monopoly. Panini, which is a longstanding company in the trading card business, has accused Fanatics of using anti-competitive business practices in an attempt to dominate the market. Those practices include setting up … [Read more...] about Sports Card Company Panini Sues Rival Fanatics Over Antitrust Allegations
Who’s News: Wasserman Music Appoints Four New Agents
By Allison WatkinsonTLL ReporterWasserman Music has hired Andrew Buck, Shanae Dennis, Andrew Morgan and Ryan Sorok to its global team of agents and career strategists.The new hires are intended to expand the company’s footprint in the pop, rock, indie, Latin, and dance/electronic genres. “We’re thrilled to welcome this outstanding group of respected agents and industry movers … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Wasserman Music Appoints Four New Agents
Hasbro Sells eOne Division to Lionsgate for $500 Million
Hasbro Also Reports "Solid Second Quarter" By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Toy giant Hasbro has agreed to sell its eOne film and TV division to Canadian film studio Lionsgate for $500 million. The deal includes $375 million in cash, subject to certain price adjustments, as well as Lionsgate assuming all of eOne's production financing loans. The transaction has … [Read more...] about Hasbro Sells eOne Division to Lionsgate for $500 Million
Toy Association Names Top STEAM Toys for Smart Kids
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The Toy Association has released its Back to School STEAM Toy Shopping List, which features 25 officially accredited STEAM toys. "As families across the U.S. get ready for another back-to-school season, our list offers parents a well-vetted guide that will help kids flourish this academic year and build skills through engaging, … [Read more...] about Toy Association Names Top STEAM Toys for Smart Kids
Jury Returns $23.5 Million Verdict in Favor of Moonbug Entertainment
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A jury has awarded Moonbug Entertainment $23.5 million after its successful lawsuit against competitor BabyBus Co. A jury earlier sided with Moonbug's claim that BabyBus infringed its copyright for its hit show CoComelon with a competing show called Super Jojo. After three days of deliberation, the jury came back with an award of $17.5 … [Read more...] about Jury Returns $23.5 Million Verdict in Favor of Moonbug Entertainment
Who’s News: Saffronic Appoints Kevin Johnson as Executive Creative Director
By Allison WatkinsonTLL ReporterThe animation and VFX studio, Saffronic is expanding its executive team with the appointment of Kevin J. Johnson as its first executive creative director. In his new role at Saffronic, Johnson will work alongside Kristy Scanlan, the company's SVP of business development, to secure partnerships with new clients and strengthen relationships with … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Saffronic Appoints Kevin Johnson as Executive Creative Director
Feature: Is BIP Marketplace the Future of Licensing?
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The online licensing marketplace BIP could well be showing us the future of licensing, with more than 50 licensing deals logged to date. BIP is an online platform that helps licensors and licensees find each other, acting essentially as a matchmaker for the industry. The BIP licensing hub also features several tools that help in the deal … [Read more...] about Feature: Is BIP Marketplace the Future of Licensing?
Who’s News: Spotlight.1888 Appoints Mary Lewis As Retail Manager
By Allison WatkinsonTLL ReporterSpotlight.1888 has hired Mary Lewis as its new retail manager to aid in meeting the needs of the agency's growing client base. Owned by True Purpose Enterprises, Spotlight.1888 is a retail services agency that helps its clients with product development, merchandising, advertising, licensing strategy, brand management and more. Prior to joining … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Spotlight.1888 Appoints Mary Lewis As Retail Manager
Who’s News: Barbie Music Supervisor George Drakoulias Joins Premier Music Group
By Allison WatkinsonTLL ReporterPremier Music Group has appointed music industry expert George Drakoulias as the agency's new partner and creative director. Premier Music Group is a music intelligence and supervision agency that offers licensing, strategy, original composition, curation and music production services for advertising, film, TV, podcasts, and more. “George is a … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Barbie Music Supervisor George Drakoulias Joins Premier Music Group