The Licensing Letter

Publishing

Beverage Licensing: Diageo Partners With Insight Editions on Guinness Cookbook

Guinness, one of the world’s most iconic and beloved brewers, has partnered with established publisher, Insight Editions, to bring the taste of Guinness to consumers' kitchen with The Official Guinness Cookbook. The cookbook, created through a deal brokered by Diageo’s global brand extension licensing agency, Beanstalk, is now available online on Amazon.com.  Guinness is … [Read more...] about Beverage Licensing: Diageo Partners With Insight Editions on Guinness Cookbook

Pre-School Licensing: Hasbro Announces Peppa Pig Early Years Learning Program “Learn with Peppa”

Hasbro has announced a new program with Penguin Random House called Learn with Peppa, a major new brand extension to help promote early years learning. The program will kick off towards the end of 2022 with Hasbro’s in-house developed learning app. The offering will expand in January 2023 through an extensive publishing program with Ladybird, an imprint of Penguin Random … [Read more...] about Pre-School Licensing: Hasbro Announces Peppa Pig Early Years Learning Program “Learn with Peppa”

Character Licensing: Mondo TV’s Grisu Gets First Licensing Deal

Mondo TV, one of the largest European animation studios,  has announced the first licensing agreement for Grisù. Grisù is the star character of a new 3D series co-produced by Mondo TV, ZDF Enterprises and Toon2Tango, and inspired by the classic 1960s character. The new adventures of the much-loved little dragon who has always dreamed of becoming a firefighter will be used to … [Read more...] about Character Licensing: Mondo TV’s Grisu Gets First Licensing Deal

Not So Fast: DOJ Sues To Block Acquisition of Simon & Schuster

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The US Dept. of Justice has filed suit to block the $2.2 billion acquisition of publishing giant Simon & Schuster by Bertelsmann, the parent company of its larger rival Penguin Random House. DOJ lawyers allege the takeover of the ViacomCBS subsidiary “would result in substantial harm to authors,” reducing competition, and creating a single … [Read more...] about Not So Fast: DOJ Sues To Block Acquisition of Simon & Schuster

Run-DMC Co-Founder Darryl McDaniels Inks Wide Ranging Licensing Deal

The groundbreaking hip-hop star Darryl McDaniels has signed an expansive licensing deal with Nickelodeon and ViacomCBS Consumer Products, that will include apparel, a book deal, and a collaboration on a new series for kids. McDaniels is one of the co-founders of Run-DMC, an early hip-hop group that remains hugely popular today, and that paved the way for many subsequent … [Read more...] about Run-DMC Co-Founder Darryl McDaniels Inks Wide Ranging Licensing Deal

Book Licensing: Ninja Life Hacks Inks Licensing Deal With Fathead

The best selling children's series Ninja Life Hacks announced a license agreement with Fathead for vinyl wall graphics, cutouts, wall hangings and more. The Ninja Life Hacks licensing deal with Fathead brings the Ninja Life Hacks superheroes to life, encouraging children to feel and discuss their emotions.  Fathead’s Ninja Life Hacks line will be available on fathead.com and … [Read more...] about Book Licensing: Ninja Life Hacks Inks Licensing Deal With Fathead

Content Licensing: Facebook Agrees to Pay News Media For Content in France

By Gary Symons TLL Editor in Chief The news media has notched another key victory in its global battle for licensing payments from tech companies, as Facebook has agreed to pay fees for news items that are placed on its social media platform. The latest battle was fought in France, where the country hailed a victory in its fight for payments from tech companies for news content … [Read more...] about Content Licensing: Facebook Agrees to Pay News Media For Content in France

David Sprei Hired To Head Penguin Ventures

Penguin Random House Children’s Appoints New Commercial Director for Penguin Ventures to Drive Opportunities for Growth and Innovation Children's literature giant Penguin Random House Children's has tagged a high ranking ViacomCBS executive as the new head of Penguin Ventures. The company says David Sprei will be joining Penguin Random House Children’s as Commercial Director … [Read more...] about David Sprei Hired To Head Penguin Ventures

Book Licensing: The Snowman Prefers Biscuits To Carrots

Penguin Ventures has partnered with Fox’s Biscuits to launch The Snowman Biscuit Selection tin in time for Christmas this year. The Snowman Biscuit Selection tin brings together two British brands that are synonymous with the festive season: Fox’s and The Snowman, Raymond Briggs’ timeless picture book and a much-loved animated film. “We’re delighted to have Fox’s on board as … [Read more...] about Book Licensing: The Snowman Prefers Biscuits To Carrots

Usborne Publishing Snags Deals For ‘That’s Not My’ Book Series

Bulldog Licensing says it has signed deals for new home and gift ranges for the bestselling British children's book series, That's Not My. The series is a major pre-school hit, with more than 64 titles like That's Not My Dinosaur, and the series has sold more than 25 million copies over its 23-year publishing history; or, more than one million average sales per year. In fact, … [Read more...] about Usborne Publishing Snags Deals For ‘That’s Not My’ Book Series