The Licensing Letter

Entertainment/Character

Disney’s New Hire Reveals Its Metaverse Ambitions

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chiev Disney has hired top Apple gaming executive Mark Bozon to help guide its move into the metaverse. Bozon most recently worked as games creative director for Apple Arcade, the tech giant's game subscription service. On May 20 this year Bozon tweeted he was leaving Apple, saying, "I’m headed to an absolute dream job." We now know that dream … [Read more...] about Disney’s New Hire Reveals Its Metaverse Ambitions

Mondo TV Secures Gorgeous Deals For Its Gorjuss Brand

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Mondo TV Group has secured three major licences for the character brand Gorjuss on behalf of the brand owner, Santoro Licensing. The three licenses that have been secured include clothing and accessory producer Coriex, greeting card producer Cromo N.B. Srl, and confectionary marketing company Emmeci. Santoro is a multi-brand design house … [Read more...] about Mondo TV Secures Gorgeous Deals For Its Gorjuss Brand

Interview: Daniel Tiger Roaring Into New Licensing Categories

Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood remains a hit after 10 years, and recently seemed to explode with new licensing deals prior to Licensing Expo. This year at the show I caught up with Matthew Shiels, who last year was promoted from director to VP of Business and Legal Affairs at Fred Rogers Productions. As a major part of that promotion, Shiels now … [Read more...] about Interview: Daniel Tiger Roaring Into New Licensing Categories

Licensing International Excellence Awards Honor Innovation

The winners of the 2022 Licensing International Excellence Awards were announced Thursday at Licensing Expo in Las Vegas. The awards honor innovation in the way brands use licensing to further their goals, how licensees develop products, how licensees distribute products, and how retailers spotlight licenses on their shelves. “It’s inspiring to see the quality of work … [Read more...] about Licensing International Excellence Awards Honor Innovation

Popeye Sails Into New Territories

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter King Features Syndicate has announced expansion into new territories for its iconic comic characters, Popeye and Olive Oyl. Building upon its already successful global licensing program, King Features has signed several new agents to support growth in the new territories which include J&M Brands in Benelux, Wildbrain CPLG in the Middle … [Read more...] about Popeye Sails Into New Territories

9 Story Media Group and Karma’s World Entertainment Expand Licensing Program

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter 9 Story Media Group and Karma’s World Entertainment have announced the accelerated growth of their licensing program for the animated property Karma’s World. The new deals were secured by 9 Story Brands, which is the consumer products and brand management division of 9 Story Media Group. 9 Story Brands is known for building international … [Read more...] about 9 Story Media Group and Karma’s World Entertainment Expand Licensing Program

ZAG to Unveil the New Animated Musical ‘Melody’ at Licensing Expo 2022

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Independent animation studio ZAG has partnered with Cross Creek Pictures to produce the animated musical Melody. Melody will be created and directed by Jeremy Zag. ZAG will debut the film to potential licensing partners at the 2022 Licensing Expo this week in Las Vegas Cross Creek Pictures is an award-winning, independent production studio. … [Read more...] about ZAG to Unveil the New Animated Musical ‘Melody’ at Licensing Expo 2022

Genius Brands Signs Long-Term Deal with Marvel Studios to License the Likeness of Stan Lee

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Stan Lee Universe has signed a 20-year deal to license the name and likeness of Stan Lee to Marvel Studios and Disney for global use in media and experiences. Stan Lee Universe is a joint venture between Pow! Entertainment and Genius Brands International that is focused on maintaining and expanding Stan Lee's legacy through licensing deals … [Read more...] about Genius Brands Signs Long-Term Deal with Marvel Studios to License the Likeness of Stan Lee

Anime Hit One Piece Marks 1,000 Episodes With New Licensing Deals

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter Just a week away from this month’s Licensing Expo 2022, renowned animation studio Toei Animation Inc. has released the first-ever licensing report for its One Piece franchise. This report provides an annual wrap-up of licensing gains for the studio's hit anime franchise, One Piece. It also details new license agreements, license renewals, and … [Read more...] about Anime Hit One Piece Marks 1,000 Episodes With New Licensing Deals