The Licensing Letter

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Longest Ever Actors Strike Ends With “Historic Agreement”

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The entertainment and licensing industries breathed a collective sigh of relief as the longest actors strike in history came to an end at 12:01 a.m. on Nov. 9. SAG-AFTRA negotiators have approved a tentative agreement with film and TV studios, and on Wednesday called an end to the 118 day strike. The union's negotiating committee approved … [Read more...] about Longest Ever Actors Strike Ends With “Historic Agreement”

JPatton: The Company That Fiercely Protects Your Brand

Leader in Brand Protection Showing Off New Licensing Management System at BLE By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief In the world of licensing, nothing is more important than protecting your brand. But according to Franco Diaz (at right in above photo, with VP Pete Reyes) of the brand protection technology manufacturer JPatton, many brand owners don’t invest in brand … [Read more...] about JPatton: The Company That Fiercely Protects Your Brand

Must Read: Universal Music’s Grand Experiments With AI and Music Streaming Payments

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Universal Music Group is making huge moves to change how musicians are paid for streaming fees and for the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI). The company, known as one of the 'Big Three' for music companies globally, is working with the Deezer platform on streaming rights, and with Google on a deal to use musician's … [Read more...] about Must Read: Universal Music’s Grand Experiments With AI and Music Streaming Payments

TLL Offering Free Listings For Licensing Agencies in New Publication

By TLL Staff The Licensing Letter will be publishing an annual Global Guide to Licensing Agencies, and basic listings are being offered at no cost. The Guide is designed to help licensors and licensees identify the most appropriate licensing agency for their needs, and when submitted by the agency, listings will include a contact email, phone number and/or website … [Read more...] about TLL Offering Free Listings For Licensing Agencies in New Publication

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?

Sarah Silverman Suing ChatGPT Creator for Copyright Infringement

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief (Sarah Silverman photo by Gage Skidmore) Comedian Sarah Silverman says copyright infringement by artificial intelligence bots is no laughing matter, as she sues Open AI and Meta. Silverman is one of three people filing the lawsuits charging that AI bots were trained on their work without their permission, resulting in AI … [Read more...] about Sarah Silverman Suing ChatGPT Creator for Copyright Infringement

JPatton: The Company That Fiercely Protects Your Brand

Visit the JPatton booth A180 this year at Licensing Expo. By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief In the world of licensing, nothing is more important than protecting your brand. But according to Franco Diaz of the brand protection technology manufacturer JPatton, many brand owners don’t invest in brand protection, only to pay for it later in terms of reputational damage, … [Read more...] about JPatton: The Company That Fiercely Protects Your Brand

Food For Thought: How Brand Central Became a Powerhouse Global Licensing Agency

Don't Miss the Opportunity to Meet With Brand Central at Licensing Expo By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief When the licensing industry returned to in-person trade shows in 2022, I was interested to see which brands and which agencies attracted the largest crowds around their Licensing Expo booths.  And, frankly, I was not that surprised to see the biggest lineup was at … [Read more...] about Food For Thought: How Brand Central Became a Powerhouse Global Licensing Agency

Broad Street Launches ‘The Royalty Report’ Channel on YouTube

Broad Street Licensing Group brings an edgy, fresh look at food licensing with a wide range of interesting guests on “The Royalty Report” By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Broad Street Licensing Group is helping liven up the conversation around food and beverage licensing with a new podcast, The Royalty Report. A top licensing agency in food and restaurant brands, … [Read more...] about Broad Street Launches ‘The Royalty Report’ Channel on YouTube

Licensing Law: Court Rules Against Andy Warhol in Landmark Copyright Case

Warhol v. Goldsmith Case Also Carries Major Implications for AI-Generated Works By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The US Supreme Court has ruled images of the musician Prince by Andy Warhol violated the copyright of photographer Lynn Goldsmith. The ruling has massive implications for both human artists and for those using artificial intelligence to generate images, videos … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Court Rules Against Andy Warhol in Landmark Copyright Case