The Licensing Letter

Articles

Special Report: How Celebrities Are Driving the Booze Business

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Acquisitions in the liquor business aren’t generally noticed by the general public, but the buyout of Davos Brands by industry giant Diageo rated a feature story in People Magazine, and pretty much every other entertainment magazine in the world. The reason is that Davos is partly owned by Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds, who purchased a major … [Read more...] about Special Report: How Celebrities Are Driving the Booze Business

Former Mattel Exec Helena Perheentupa Joins Rapidly Expanding ZAG Team

The ZAG Company continues the expansion of its senior executive team with the appointment this week of licensing veteran Helena Perheentupa to the newly created role of vice president of licensing for Central, Eastern, Northern Europe and Russia. Perheentupa formerly worked with Mattel's operation in Germany as head of licensing, overseeing brands such as Hot Wheels, Barbie, … [Read more...] about Former Mattel Exec Helena Perheentupa Joins Rapidly Expanding ZAG Team

Mattel Takes a Swing at a Whac-A-Mole Game Show

Toy giant Mattel is working with America's Got Talent producer Fremantle to develop a frantic new game show based on the Whac-A-Mole game it acquired in 2009. Mattel and Fremantle say the Whac-A-Mole game show will be a wild, physically challenging elimination competition in which opposing teams will use their skill, strength and endurance to become the Whac-A-Mole champion. … [Read more...] about Mattel Takes a Swing at a Whac-A-Mole Game Show

BBC Adopts Brainbase Licensing Tech for Bluey Franchise

BBC Studios has announced a partnership with Brainbase to use that company's software for end-to-end IP management, and will initially use the technology for its breakout hit Bluey. The BBC says Brainbase Assist will be used to streamline and manage their global licensing business for the popular kid's show Bluey, which airs in the U.S. on Disney Junior and Disney Channel and … [Read more...] about BBC Adopts Brainbase Licensing Tech for Bluey Franchise

Rainbow Named Exclusive Licensor of FATE: The Winx Saga

The Italian content conglomerate Rainbow has been named the exclusive global Consumer Products licensor of FATE: The Winx Saga, the breakout Netflix original live action hit for the YA audience available in 190 countries. FATE: The Winx Saga is Netflix’s six-episode live action reimagining of the Winx Club animated saga, an evergreen brand that has been thrilling audiences … [Read more...] about Rainbow Named Exclusive Licensor of FATE: The Winx Saga

Creative Licensing Announces New Game Deals

Creative Licensing isn't just playing around, but they're making it a lot more fun for those who are. Creative Licensing has been busy expanding their roster of digital games, introducing some familiar action heroes from the '80s and '90s to a new generation of gamers and fans through downloadable content (DLC) licenses. The LA-based firm has inked new gaming deals with major … [Read more...] about Creative Licensing Announces New Game Deals

Moonbug Hires Redibra to Bring Products To Brazil

Children's programmer Moonbug has appointed Redibra as its licensing agent in Brazil, as the company works on development of new consumer products for its popular shows, like Blippi or CoComelon. “At Moonbug, we’re committed to developing premium, enriching content that parents and children can enjoy together, and a key part of this mission is ensuring our IP is accessible … [Read more...] about Moonbug Hires Redibra to Bring Products To Brazil

Key Former Disney Exec Nancy Kanter Joins Rival Netflix

The streaming wars are heating up, as Netflix snapped up former Disney Executive Vice President Nancy Kantor just one day after she left her position with Disney Channels Worldwide. Kantor played a critical role at Disney, having launched and operated Disney Junior, a channel for preschool children, and acting as the EVP of Content and Creative Strategy for Disney Channels … [Read more...] about Key Former Disney Exec Nancy Kanter Joins Rival Netflix

EMPIK Launches Frida Kahlo Collection with Art Ask Agency

The iconic Mexican painter Frida Kahlo's works will be featured in a new collection of licensed products in collaboration with the Polish cultural retailer EMPIK, in a deal reached with Barcelona-based Art Ask Agency. Art Ask says the Frida Kahlo licensing program continues to grow substantially, "despite these challenging times, and is pleased to announce its latest Frida … [Read more...] about EMPIK Launches Frida Kahlo Collection with Art Ask Agency

My Little Pony Riding High With Hasbro

The My Little Pony franchise is ending its popular The Friendship is Magic series, but don't expect to see the brand riding off into the sunset any time soon. Hasbro has big plans for the franchise after acquiring Entertainment One in 2019, including a wide range of new consumer products, the release of a CGI film, a cross platform mashup with The Transformers, and a new … [Read more...] about My Little Pony Riding High With Hasbro