By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Microsoft says building the metaverse is a big reason it acquired gaming company Activision Blizzard this week for $68.7 billion. While Microsoft says gaming is also very important to the company, which also produces the Xbox and runs the DirectX gaming platform, the company says the long-term vision is on becoming a major player in the … [Read more...] about Metaverse Licensing: Microsoft Makes a Big Move With Acquisition of Activision Blizzard
News & Trends
Licensed Fashion Giant Erve Group Sets Up UK Subsidiary
The global fashion powerhouse Erve Group has expanded in the UK with the launch of a new, locally based company. Called Erve UK & Ireland, the new subsidiary brings more than 35 years of licensing and brand experience directly to the UK and Ireland markets. “We have been servicing the UK & Ireland apparel markets for many years through our pan-European retail … [Read more...] about Licensed Fashion Giant Erve Group Sets Up UK Subsidiary
Licensing Jobs: Joann Acevedo To Lead Softlines For ViacomCBS Consumer Products
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter ViacomCBS Consumer Products has promoted Joann Acevedo to Senior Vice President of Softlines Licensing in North America. As Senior Vice President, Acevedo will lead across multiple categories of business including apparel, accessories, and home furnishings. She will partner with the Toronto-based ViacomCBS Consumer Products team to expand … [Read more...] about Licensing Jobs: Joann Acevedo To Lead Softlines For ViacomCBS Consumer Products
Women In Toys’ Live Event Latest Cancellation for COVID
Women in Toys says the live Wonder Women Awards will be canceled because of the cancellation of Toy Fair New York and concerns over COVID-19. The Wonder Women Awards is an annual event that recognizes and honors remarkable leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers for their outstanding contributions in the toy, licensing and entertainment industries. The awards event was … [Read more...] about Women In Toys’ Live Event Latest Cancellation for COVID
Omicron Takes Fun Out of Licensing As Spielwarenmesse Toy Fair Cancelled
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The world's largest toy fair has been cancelled, due to increasing cancellations related to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. "The rapid growth of the Omicron variant in recent days ... and the resultant increasing number of cancellations to stands, has left the organizer, Spielwarenmesse eG, with no alternative," the organizers said … [Read more...] about Omicron Takes Fun Out of Licensing As Spielwarenmesse Toy Fair Cancelled
Who’s News: Fanatics Names Primack SVP of International Biz Dev
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Fanatics has recruited ex-IMG executive Matthew Primack as its new Senior Vice President of International Business Development. Primack is now responsible for building on Fanatics’ strong international growth through the acquisition of new rights and commercial routes to market. “This is an incredibly exciting time to be joining Fanatics and … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Fanatics Names Primack SVP of International Biz Dev
Licensing Trade Shows: Toy Fair NY Cancelled Due to Omicron Surge
The Toy Association says rising COVID numbers have forced the "heartbreaking" cancellation of next month's Toy Fair in New York. Toy Fair New York 2022 was scheduled for Feb. 19-22 at The Javits Center. Now, Toy Association president and CEO Steve Pasierb says the association needed to “make the best decision in everyone’s interest." “Key to our efforts these past two weeks has … [Read more...] about Licensing Trade Shows: Toy Fair NY Cancelled Due to Omicron Surge
Licensing Trade Shows: Kidscreen Summit Latest Victim Of Omicron
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Kidscreen Summit 2022 in Miami, Florida has again been postponed due to concerns about the omicron variant. Florida has experienced a drastic increase in hospitalizations related to COVID-19 in recent weeks as the state saw close to 400,000 cases reported from Dec. 31 to Jan. 6. According to data from Johns Hopkins University, Florida ranked … [Read more...] about Licensing Trade Shows: Kidscreen Summit Latest Victim Of Omicron
ChizComm Founders Out At Genius Brands Over Contract Dispute
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The founders of Chizcomm have exited Genius Brands over a contractual dispute and conflict over strategic vision. ChizComm was acquired in November of 2020 by Genius Brands, which has grown rapidly due to an aggressive acquisition strategy. At the time, all seemed like sweetness and light would prevail. This week, however, Chizcomm … [Read more...] about ChizComm Founders Out At Genius Brands Over Contract Dispute
Who’s News: Veteran Licensing Consultant Caroline High Joins ARTiSTORY
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The Art and cultural IP licensee specialist ARTiSTORY is growing its UK team with the appointment of Caroline High. “Having worked with Caroline previously I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work together again at ARTiSTORY,” said Natasha Dyson, ARTiSTORY Co-Founder and Licensing Director. “A huge part of ARTiSTORY’s business is creating … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Veteran Licensing Consultant Caroline High Joins ARTiSTORY