The Licensing Letter

Music

KIDZ BOP Appoints Bulldog As UK Licensing Agency

By Allison Watkinson TLL Reporter KIDZ BOP has appointed Bulldog Licensing as its official UK licensing agency, starting at Brand Licensing Europe. KIDZ BOP is a global family music brand that records covers of popular songs sung by kids, for kids. Since its creation in the US in 2001, the KIDZ BOP brand has sold over 23 million albums and generated over 8 billion … [Read more...] about KIDZ BOP Appoints Bulldog As UK Licensing Agency

Warner Music Investigating Subsidiary’s Actions in Russia

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Warner Music is investigating allegations that one of its subsidiaries continued to operate in Russia after the company suspended its operations. Those allegations were made in an exclusive investigative report by The Guardian newspaper. According to the report, at least one executive at the Warner subsidiary ADA Russia "... continued to try … [Read more...] about Warner Music Investigating Subsidiary’s Actions in Russia

Licensing Law: Naked Nevermind Baby Loses Nirvana Lawsuit

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief A California court has ruled against a man who claims the cover artwork on Nirvana's 1991 grunge rock album Nevermind is child pornography. The ruling comes after Spencer Elden, now 31, sued the band over allegations of "commercial child sexual exploitation," after his image was used on the album's cover. That cover is considered among the … [Read more...] about Licensing Law: Naked Nevermind Baby Loses Nirvana Lawsuit

Music Licensing: Bravado Regains Merch Rights For The Beatles

After a Hard Day's Night of talks, Universal Music Group's Bravado division has reacquired merchandise rights for The Beatles. The deal sees the legendary band's merchandise rights coming back to UMG, which is also the longstanding home for its music catalog. Apple Corps Ltd. and brand management company, Bravado, announced today that they have once again partnered to develop … [Read more...] about Music Licensing: Bravado Regains Merch Rights For The Beatles

Spotify, Apple and Other Streamers Sign Landmark Music Royalty Agreement

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Musicians and music streamers have come to what some call an historic new agreement on higher royalty rates. The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA), the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), and the Digital Media Association (DiMA) announced they've agreed to a settlement for certain mechanical streaming rates … [Read more...] about Spotify, Apple and Other Streamers Sign Landmark Music Royalty Agreement

Glass Animals Team Up With Xbox for Pac-Man World Re-PAC Program

It's been quite a year for the breakout band Glass Animals, who have topped the billboard charts, headlined the Glastonbury festival, and now are partnered with Xbox on the latest Pac-Man game release. Glass Animals exploded as a chart-topping band in 2021 with the monster hit Heat Waves, which is so far the third longest charting song on the Billboard Hot 100, led by only The … [Read more...] about Glass Animals Team Up With Xbox for Pac-Man World Re-PAC Program

Metaverse Licensing: iHeartMedia Hosting Concerts in Fortnite

iHeartMedia took its first steps in to the metaverse by launching its first virtual world on Fortnite,called iHeartLand. The launch is just the first step in iHeartMedia's ambitious plans for the metaverse, as the company undertakes a campaign to attract younger audiences and to become a leader in the growing Web3 economy. iHeartMedia is a major force in the music and content … [Read more...] about Metaverse Licensing: iHeartMedia Hosting Concerts in Fortnite

Who’s News: Wasserman Music Hires On Three New Agents

The Wasserman Music agency has hired on veteran agents Andrea Johnson, Emily Yoon and Erika Noguchi. Wasserman says the three new agents add to the agency’s strength in symphonic performances, legendary artists with massive catalogs of hits, and in developing intellectual property for the live performance space. Johnson’s roster includes veteran stars like David Foster, … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Wasserman Music Hires On Three New Agents

Celebrity Licensing: Rolling Stones Release Some Rockin’ Watches With Nixon

The Rolling Stones proved Time Is On Their Side   as the classic rock band has launched a line of watches with timepiece creator Nixon.  The Rolling Stones and Nixon are turning up the volume with a two-part, limited-edition capsule collection of timepieces, replacement watch bands, and other accessories. This collection, produced in partnership with Bravado, brings together … [Read more...] about Celebrity Licensing: Rolling Stones Release Some Rockin’ Watches With Nixon

Who’s News: Throop To Step Down as CEO of Hasbro’s eOne Division

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief Hasbro has reported another senior management shakeup, saying Darren Throop will step down as president and CEO of its eOne division. Throop is the founder of what was then the Canadian studio Entertainment One, and guided the company during its growth and eventual acquisition by Hasbro. The company says Throop will continue in his current … [Read more...] about Who’s News: Throop To Step Down as CEO of Hasbro’s eOne Division