By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The licensing industry is undergoing a period of extremely rapid change, thanks largely to a variety of economic and political factors, but even more to the rapid development of new technologies that have opened up new opportunities for the brand licensing sector. That’s not surprising. Rapid advances in technology always create new … [Read more...] about Members Only: TLL’s Top 8 Licensing Trends for 2025
News & Trends
Gibson Guitar Fraud Shows Importance of Brand Protection Technology
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The recent seizure of 3,000 fake Gibson guitars highlights the need for IP security measures, says JPatton Business Development Manager Franco Diaz. The counterfeit guitars, had they been genuine, would have been worth $18.7 million, which would put a sizeable dent in the revenues of the legendary American guitar producer. "Brand owners … [Read more...] about Gibson Guitar Fraud Shows Importance of Brand Protection Technology
NRF Predicts 2024 Holiday Spending to Reach New Record
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The National Retail Federation projects average consumer spending over the 2024 holidays will reach a record $902 per person. The NRF bases that number on the average expected spending for gifts, food, decorations, and other seasonal items, with figures coming from its annual consumer survey conducted by Prosper Insights & Analytics. … [Read more...] about NRF Predicts 2024 Holiday Spending to Reach New Record
Angry Mom Sues Mattel For Porn Link on Wicked Doll Package
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Toymaker Mattel was sued this week by a mother for mistakenly putting a link to a porn site on the packaging for its Wicked line of dolls. The inclusion of the link was clearly an honest error on the part of Mattel, as the link for the Wicked Movie (wickedmovie.com) was very similar to that of the porn site. However, South Carolina mom … [Read more...] about Angry Mom Sues Mattel For Porn Link on Wicked Doll Package
Feds Seize 3,000 Counterfeit Gibson Guitars Worth $19 Million
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Federal officials say they have seized thousands of counterfeit Gibson electric guitars at the Los Angeles-Long Beach Seaport. Officials involved in the operation says it is the "largest counterfeit musical instrument seizure on record." The operation was conducted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers, assisted by Homeland … [Read more...] about Feds Seize 3,000 Counterfeit Gibson Guitars Worth $19 Million
Canadian News Media Open New Front in War Over AI and Copyright
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A coalition of Canada's top news organizations is suing OpenAI for using its content to train its ChatGPT generative AI bot. The coalition includes The Canadian Press wire service, Torstar, the Globe and Mail, Postmedia and CBC/Radio-Canada. For full disclosure, the author of this story worked at CBC/Radio Canada, and … [Read more...] about Canadian News Media Open New Front in War Over AI and Copyright
Gibson Issues Cease and Desist Against Trump Guitars
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief US voters liked Donald Trump to elect him as the next president of the United States, but some licensors are not as fond of POTUS 47, thanks to a variety of copyright issues. This time the case involves the 130-year-old Gibson guitar company, which has issued a cease and desist order against Trump Guitars, the company behind a line of … [Read more...] about Gibson Issues Cease and Desist Against Trump Guitars
Penn State Wins ‘Historic’ Victory in Trademark Case
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A jury has found that online retailer Vintage Brand infringed on trademarks for Pennsylvania State University, by selling unlicensed merchandise with "historic" images. Penn State had sued Vintage Brand, as well as Prep Sportswear and their founder, Chad Hartvigson. The university alleged the defendants infringed on the Penn State … [Read more...] about Penn State Wins ‘Historic’ Victory in Trademark Case
Plans Unveiled for Massive Toy and Trade Fair in Hong Kong
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) has released new details for the 2025 editions of its three concurrent toy industry trade fairs. The three upcoming HKTDC trade fairs include the 51st Hong Kong Toys & Games fair, the 16th Hong Kong Baby Products fair and the 23rd Hong Kong International Stationery & School … [Read more...] about Plans Unveiled for Massive Toy and Trade Fair in Hong Kong
Licensing International Announces 2024 Rising Star Award Recipients
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Licensing International has announced the eight licensing professionals who will receive the 2024 Global Rising Star Award. This year’s Rising Stars will be honored during the Hall of Fame Induction Gala and Global Rising Star Awards on December 4, 2024, at Gotham Hall in New York City. The event is a fundraiser for Licensing … [Read more...] about Licensing International Announces 2024 Rising Star Award Recipients