The anime streamer Crunchyroll has completed a strategic acquisition of Right Stuf, considered the largest retailer of anime products in North America. The Sony-owned streaming service announced on Aug. 4 that it had purchased Right Stuf, just ahead of the company's annual Crunchyroll Expo event. Pricing and other terms were not disclosed publicly. The Right Stuf acquisition … [Read more...] about Crunchyroll Acquires North America’s Largest Anime Retailer
News & Trends
Licensing Law: Roblox Sues WowWee For Allegedly Selling Toys Based On Its IP
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The metaverse platform Roblox is suing the Hong Kong toy company WowWee for a line of toys it says were inspired by Roblox avatars. The suit is aimed at a new line of dolls called My Avastars (seen in above photo), scheduled for release in October through major retailers like Walmart, Target and Macy's. The case is among the first examples of … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Roblox Sues WowWee For Allegedly Selling Toys Based On Its IP
Products of Change To Deliver Sustainability Sessions at Autumn Fair
Submitted Content from Products of Change Products of Change has forged a strategic partnership with Autumn Fair to deliver and drive sustainability educational sessions and practice guides at the popular Birmingham retail buying show this year. As the conversation surrounding sustainability in the retail and consumer products sectors has deepened, so too has Autumn Fair’s … [Read more...] about Products of Change To Deliver Sustainability Sessions at Autumn Fair
New Forum Launched for Companies Seeking Digital Entertainment Licenses
The first Entertainment X Tracks Forum will take place in November as a way to help retailers, licensing companies and licensees seeking new digital entertainment properties. The event was developed by Steven Ekstract, the founder and former publisher of License Global, and is being hosted at the offices of United Talent Agency in Beverly Hills on Nov. 2-3. “The business of … [Read more...] about New Forum Launched for Companies Seeking Digital Entertainment Licenses
Licensing Conferences: B&LIS Unveils Speaker Lineup for New York Event
The Brand & Licensing Innovation Summit is living up to its name with a slate of speakers on everything from metaverse licensing and NFTs to sustainability and experiential entertainment. Brand & Licensing Innovation Summit (B&LIS) North America is a two-day thought leadership conference dedicated to transforming the future of brand licensing. The summit announced … [Read more...] about Licensing Conferences: B&LIS Unveils Speaker Lineup for New York Event
Who’s News: New Positions at Paramount Global and Penguin Ventures
Paramount Global Promotes Pamela Kaufman to CEO of Global CP & Experiences Penguin Ventures Appoints Zoe Smith as Senior Category Manager, UK Softlines Veteran licensing exec Pamela Kaufman has been promoted to take on the role of president and CEO of international markets, global consumer products and experiences, effective immediately. The newly created position reports … [Read more...] about Who’s News: New Positions at Paramount Global and Penguin Ventures
Feature Report: Is There a Future for NFTs After Market Meltdown?
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief If you want to know how investors feel about NFTs right now, just follow the sound of the screaming. That should lead you to the hilariously apt Bear Market Screaming Therapy Group on Twitter and the communication app Telegram, where holders of Goblintown Ethereum NFTs (as= in the photo above) have gathered to post groans, howls, sobbing, … [Read more...] about Feature Report: Is There a Future for NFTs After Market Meltdown?
Licensing Law: Gibson Wins Landmark Trademark Ruling For Iconic Guitar Designs
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Legendary guitar-maker Gibson has won a huge victory in a trademark case, aptly decided by a jury in Nashville, aka Music City. As a result, the court has ordered an injunction permanently prohibiting Armadillo (aka Dean Guitars) from using Gibson's classic designs and marks, including the ES, SG, the Flying V, Explorer Trademarks, and … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Gibson Wins Landmark Trademark Ruling For Iconic Guitar Designs
Trade Shows: MGM to Unveil New Licensing Initiatives at BLE
Metro Goldwyn Mayer says it will have a grand reveal of new licensing opportunities when it displays at Brand Licensing Europe in September. As well, MGM says it will be serving up some special sneak peaks for some new and evergreen properties, like Pink Panther, Vikings: Valhalla, Killer Klowns, and Wednesday. MGM is, of course, one of the preeminent studios from the glory … [Read more...] about Trade Shows: MGM to Unveil New Licensing Initiatives at BLE
Who’s News: ZAG Appoints Head of CP for Europe
Luca Bonecchi, formerly an executive with Entertainment One, has been appointed as the new Head of Consumer Product for the animation studio ZAG. In his new role, Bonecchi will be in charge of all CP sales and licensing for all of Europe, with the exception of Germany and France. The announcement was made by Julian Zag, EVP Global Operations and Head of Consumer Products, to … [Read more...] about Who’s News: ZAG Appoints Head of CP for Europe