By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Mattel has entered into a global licensing agreement for Pixar’s Lightyear, the origin story of Toy Story’s character, Buzz Lightyear. Through the agreement, Mattel has acquired global licensing rights to develop a line of toys for the Lightyear franchise. These toys will include action figures, playsets, vehicles, games, plush, and … [Read more...] about Film Licensing: Mattel To Unveil a Galaxy of Toys For Pixar’s Lightyear
Toys and Games
LEGO Marks 90th Anniversary With Largest Ever Global Brand Campaign
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The world's largest toy company is launching a branding blitzkrieg in what it says will be LEGO's "biggest ever global brand campaign." That's saying something, as the European brick maker has ridden branding and licensing to expand its reach far beyond building toy cars with plastic bricks. Today, LEGO Group is a major player in film and … [Read more...] about LEGO Marks 90th Anniversary With Largest Ever Global Brand Campaign
Strong Growth in Global Toy Revenue in 2021 to End in 2022
NDP Report Points to Coming Decline Due to Inflation, and Underlines Importance of Licensing to Toy Industry By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The toy industry had its best year in a decade in 2021, as people turned to play during dark economic and political times. That's the conclusion of The NPD Group’s latest global toys report, which says the global toy market surged to … [Read more...] about Strong Growth in Global Toy Revenue in 2021 to End in 2022
Experiential Licensing: Crayola Appoints New VP for Location-Based Entertainment
By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter The children’s creativity brand, Crayola, has announced the addition of Andy Pence as Vice President of Crayola Experience and Location-Based Entertainment. Crayola LLC is a subsidiary of Hallmark Cards Inc. Internationally known for the Crayola Crayon which was first introduced in 1903, the Crayola brand has grown into a portfolio of art … [Read more...] about Experiential Licensing: Crayola Appoints New VP for Location-Based Entertainment
Who’s News: Mattel Announces Successor For Global Head of Consumer Products
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Toymaker Mattel has announced Josh Silverman will succeed Roz Nowicki as Global Head of Consumer Products, effective Sept. 1, 2022. Mattel disclosed this week that Nowicki was leaving the company, but did not announce her replacement until Thursday, June 16. Silverman comes to the post with a wealth of experience from his time at The Walt … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Mattel Announces Successor For Global Head of Consumer Products
Who’s News: Mattel’s Head of Global CP Resigns in Surprise Move
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Senior Mattel executive Roz Nowicki is stepping down from her role as Head of Global Consumer Products and Franchise Marketing. Mattel says Nowicki's departure was announced internally in April, and Nowicki will remain in the role through the end of June to ensure a smooth transition. A successor will soon be announced by Mattel. “It has … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Mattel’s Head of Global CP Resigns in Surprise Move
Metaverse Licensing: Barbie Joins Collaboration With Forever 21 and VBG on Roblox
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The metaverse licensing company Virtual Brands Group is on a roll. After winning a coveted Licensing Excellence award for its collaboration with Forever 21 and Roblox, Virtual Brands Group and Forever 21 have landed a metaverse collaboration with Mattel's Barbie. The new limited-edition collection includes a range of on-trend vintage style … [Read more...] about Metaverse Licensing: Barbie Joins Collaboration With Forever 21 and VBG on Roblox
Ravensburger to Bring Bread Barbershop Games and Puzzles to Italy
Licensing agent Mondo TV Group announces first Italian deal for hit kids’ show Mondo TV Group has licensed Ravensburger to produce a portfolio of puzzles and craft kits for the Italian market inspired by the hit kids’ show Bread Barbershop. The news of this license award comes only weeks after Mondo TV Group’s appointment by brand owner Monster Studio to represent licensing … [Read more...] about Ravensburger to Bring Bread Barbershop Games and Puzzles to Italy
Feature Report: The Back Story of Hasbro’s Boardroom Victory Over Alta Fox
Activist Investor Says Hasbro Board Needs To Go, But The Licensing Letter's Analysis Shows Reason for Optimism By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Hasbro says shareholders voted by "a substantial margin" to re-elect all of 13 of the company's current directors. The apparent victory, released as preliminary results of the 2022 Annual Meeting, was a rebuke to a challenge by … [Read more...] about Feature Report: The Back Story of Hasbro’s Boardroom Victory Over Alta Fox
Mattel Expands PlayBack Recycling Program to Fisher-Price
By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Mattel's award-winning PlayBack program has just expanded to now include the company's line of Fisher-Price toys. Fisher-Price joins Barbie, MEGA, and Matchbox brands in the toy takeback initiative, which enables families to extend the life of their Mattel toys once they are finished playing with them. Mattel was awarded the first-ever … [Read more...] about Mattel Expands PlayBack Recycling Program to Fisher-Price