The Licensing Letter

Entertainment/Character

Not So Nice: Baron Cohen Sues Pot Shop

Actor and comedian Sacha Baron Cohen has filed suit against a Massachusetts cannabis shop for using an image of his character Borat on a billboard (pictured here) without his permission. According to documents filed in U.S. District Court in Boston, Baron Cohen alleges the billboard for Somerset-based Solar Therapeutics Inc. showed him posing as Borat with two thumbs up and … [Read more...] about Not So Nice: Baron Cohen Sues Pot Shop

Star Trek Boldly Goes To The Toy Aisle With Playmates

The rich world of the Star Wars Universe is coming to a toy store near you, as ViacomCBS Consumer Products announced a licensing deal with Playmates Toys. ViacomCBS says it has awarded the global toy company with the licensing rights for action figures, vehicles and ships, role play and other toy categories for all Star Trek properties. Playmates will launch its new Star Trek … [Read more...] about Star Trek Boldly Goes To The Toy Aisle With Playmates

Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten Getting Super Ratings

Genius Brand's new show Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten has already surpassed 40 million views on Kartoon Channel since its debut on April 23. “I knew the viewership would be great, but even I didn’t think we would be getting this level of views with just 11 episodes streaming so far,” said Arnold Schwarzenegger, who is both executive producer and stars in the show. “Over … [Read more...] about Stan Lee’s Superhero Kindergarten Getting Super Ratings

Talking Tom Breaks Out With New Series, Licensing Program

The hugely popular Talking Tom franchise is getting a major update this year, as brand owner Outfit7 launches a new CP licensing program, a 3D animated series, and a new Talking Tom interactive app. It's hard to believe, given the global success of the Talking Tom and Friends videos, but the brand actually started as what now seems like a simple iPhone app. That app allowed … [Read more...] about Talking Tom Breaks Out With New Series, Licensing Program

LEGO Builds Seinfeld Set For A ‘Toy About Nothing’

LEGO has been on a sitcom roll of late, building out the sets for popular shows like Friends and Big Bang Theory, and now has followed up with a 30th anniversary set for Seinfeld, the "show about nothing." The classic sitcom, a number one hit in the 1990s, will be immortalized in plastic bricks thanks to a fan-based project launched under the LEGO Ideas program. Brent Waller of … [Read more...] about LEGO Builds Seinfeld Set For A ‘Toy About Nothing’

Cuteness Overload: Elmo Gets a Puppy!

Elmo by himself: Super cute. Elmo with a puppy: Massive cuteness overload. In a move that makes you think, 'why didn't this happen before?', Sesame Workshop is coming out with an animated special called Furry Friends Forever: Elmo Gets a Puppy. The special will also, of course, generate a new licensing program, beginning with the simultaneous launch of new Sesame Street books … [Read more...] about Cuteness Overload: Elmo Gets a Puppy!

SpongeBob Says “I’m Ready!” For Fanattik Partnership

The world's most popular sponge is heading for Europe this summer, as pop culture company Fanattik signed a licensing deal for Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants franchise. The deal, signed with ViacomCBS Consumer Products, will allow Fanattik to create SpongeBob-themed home decor, gifts, collectibles, and barware. The collection is expected to hit the European market … [Read more...] about SpongeBob Says “I’m Ready!” For Fanattik Partnership

Mattel Wins Licensing Agreement For PAW Patrol

Global toyco Mattel has won the PAW Patrol sweepstakes, signing a global licensing agreement for the franchise with ViacomCBS Consumer Products. The license allows Mattel to develop a range of toys and other items based on the upcoming theatrical release PAW Patrol: The Movie. What's particularly interesting about this deal is that PAW Patrol is a Spin Master product, and Spin … [Read more...] about Mattel Wins Licensing Agreement For PAW Patrol

ZAG Partners On Miraculous-Branded Kids’ Watches

The Animation Studio Signs Global Deal With Swatch Subsidiary Flik Flak ZAG has been on a global licensing tear with its global hit Miraculous, and now the popular toon will grace kids' watches around the world in a deal with Swatch subsidiary Flik Flak. ZAG says it has signed an exclusive global license (excluding China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan) with Flik Flak for a … [Read more...] about ZAG Partners On Miraculous-Branded Kids’ Watches