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
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Video Game Licensing: EA Games Unveils Major Improvements to FIFA Mobile Game
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Electronic Arts has launched an expansive update to its licensed mobile game EA SPORTS FIFA Mobile, setting it up for live service for years to come. The game is produced under license from FIFA, and is among the world's most popular mobile sports games. The latest major update to FIFA Mobile provides an extensive overhaul and enhancements … [Read more...] about Video Game Licensing: EA Games Unveils Major Improvements to FIFA Mobile Game
Studio 100 Partners With Brand Loyalty For Promotion and Licensing of Vegesaurs
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Studio 100 Media has partnered with BrandLoyalty to create a customer loyalty campaign for the upcoming CGI-animated series Vegesaurs. The companies have signed a five-year agreement for licensing and brand promotion. “We are delighted to be able to partner with Studio 100 on the upcoming 'Vegesaurs' series. A continuing focus for food … [Read more...] about Studio 100 Partners With Brand Loyalty For Promotion and Licensing of Vegesaurs
FLYNN Collective to Rep Home Design Star Sabrina Soto
The HGTV Star and Latinx Home and Lifestyle expert, Sabrina Soto, has appointed FLYNN Collective to serve as her exclusive licensing agency. Soto is a first-generation Cuban-American who has become a bonafide star in the world of home design and fashion. She is a Design TV star with over 20 years on major networks including HGTV, TLC, NBC, and CBS. She currently stars in the … [Read more...] about FLYNN Collective to Rep Home Design Star Sabrina Soto
NRF Says Holiday Revenues Up 14.1%, Smashing Expectations
Consumers defied expectations as retail sales soared in November and December by 14.1% to $886.7 billion over the holidays. That figure dramatically beats out the National Retail Federation’s forecast and set a new record, despite challenges from inflation, supply chain disruptions and the ongoing pandemic, NRF said this week. The number includes online and other non-store … [Read more...] about NRF Says Holiday Revenues Up 14.1%, Smashing Expectations
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
Tech Licensing: Skullcandy Pumps The Volume With Beanstalk Appointment
The trend setting audio tech brand Skullcandy has selected licensing agency Beanstalk to manage its global branding. The company says it engaged Beanstalk to help extend its brand into product categories that "unleash the power of expression," including audio equipment, consumer electronics, sporting and outdoor goods and accessories, apparel and accessories, collaborations and … [Read more...] about Tech Licensing: Skullcandy Pumps The Volume With Beanstalk Appointment
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