The Walt Disney Company enters the New Year with a new chairperson, as Susan Arnold becomes the first woman to head Disney's board. Arnold will take over from current chair Bob Iger when he steps down on Dec. 31. Iger has been with Disney in senior management or board roles since 1996. Arnold has been a member of Disney’s board for 14 years and has served as its independent … [Read more...] about First Woman Chair At Disney Takes The Reins On New Year’s Eve
News & Trends
Who’s News: Exile Studio Tags Stephen Davis to Head Kids Programming
Exile Content Studio has created a new children's programming division, to be headed by former Hasbro Chief Content Officer Stephen Davis. The LA-based studio is better known for its adult dramas, like the Netflix hit El Chapo, but is now creating a kid's division. The company says Davis will lead a major expansion through the acquisition and development of new IP, and will … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Exile Studio Tags Stephen Davis to Head Kids Programming
Who’s News: Vandamme To Head New Jazwares Sales Office in Paris
Jazwares is opening a new office in Paris; a reflection of its strategy for rapid growth in the European market. The company says the sales office will be headed by veteran Vincent Vandamme, who most recently was the Head of Field Sales for LEGO in France. “We have meaningful direct to retail businesses in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and the Benelux region, … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Vandamme To Head New Jazwares Sales Office in Paris
Sustainable Licensing: Music Leaders Unite To Create Climate Pact
A group of music companies, including the largest licensors in the industry, have launched what they call the Music Climate Pact. The Climate Pact includes the Big Three of the music industry—Sony Music Group, Universal Music Group and Warner Music Group—as well as world-renowned independents Beggars Group, BMG, Brownswood Recordings, Ninja Tune, Secretly Group, Warp and … [Read more...] about Sustainable Licensing: Music Leaders Unite To Create Climate Pact
Nike Sprints Into Metaverse Licensing With RTFKT Acquisition
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The footwear behemoth Nike is expanding its footprint in the metaverse, announcing the acquisition of digital collectibles company RTFKT. The terms of the deal were not disclosed. “This acquisition is another step that accelerates Nike’s digital transformation and allows us to serve athletes and creators at the intersection of sport, … [Read more...] about Nike Sprints Into Metaverse Licensing With RTFKT Acquisition
Genius Continues Expansion With Hire Of New CFO
GENIUS BRANDS APPOINTS FINANCIAL MARKETS AND ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY EXECUTIVE ZRINKA DEKIC AS CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER After acquiring WOW! Unlimited Media and Your Family Entertainment AG over the past month, Genius Brands International has now appointed industry veteran Zrinka Dekic as its new Chief Financial Officer. Dekic will also take on the role of Head of Strategy and … [Read more...] about Genius Continues Expansion With Hire Of New CFO
Licensing Law: Andy Warhol Foundation Asks Supreme Court For Legal Review
The Andy Warhol Foundation is asking the Supreme Court to weigh in on a lawsuit over the artist's Prince Series, produced in 1984. The lawsuit was filed in 2017 by photographer Lynn Goldsmith, who claims Warhol’s Prince Series was largely based on photographs she took while on assignment for Newsweekmagazine. Those photos, like Warhol's paintings, depict the rock star Prince, … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Andy Warhol Foundation Asks Supreme Court For Legal Review
Licensing Law: MediaMuv Charged With Stealing $20 Million in Music Royalties From YouTube
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Officials in Arizona have charged two men on allegations they defrauded YouTube of $20 million by falsely claiming they owned rights to more than 50,000 songs. According to a statement from the US Attorney's Office charges have been laid against Jose Teran of Scottsdale, Az. and Webster Batista, 38, of Doral, Fla. The allegations include … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: MediaMuv Charged With Stealing $20 Million in Music Royalties From YouTube
Acquisitions: Genius Brands Makes Smart Move on YFE Investment
Genius Brands just made another big move in its quest to become a major power in children and family entertainment, acquiring a major stake in Your Family Entertainment (YFE). The YFE transaction, alongside the recent announcement of the acquisition of WOW! Unlimited Media, would significantly expand the Genius Brands catalogue and give the company a streaming foothold outside … [Read more...] about Acquisitions: Genius Brands Makes Smart Move on YFE Investment
Mattel Honored With First Licensing Sustainability Award
The Society of Product Licensors Committed to Excellence and The Licensing Letter are pleased to announce that Mattel’s toy recycling program has won the first ever Licensing Sustainability Award. The LSA is awarded quarterly to highlight programs in the licensing industry that reduce pollution, waste, and/or greenhouse gas emissions. “The judges felt Mattel deserved this … [Read more...] about Mattel Honored With First Licensing Sustainability Award